Pediatric moderate and severe traumatic brain injury - A national, population-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, injury mechanisms, and clinical outcomes of children with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), using population-based data from a national trauma registry. METHODS: This nationwide observational cohort study includes all pediatric patients (0-17 years) with moderate and severe TBI registered in the Norwegian Trauma Registry between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 348 pediatric patients with moderate (n = 289, 83%) and severe n = 59, 17%) TBI were analyzed. The most common injury mechanism were high-energy falls (33%) and road traffic accidents (29%). The 30-day mortality rate was 3%, significantly higher in severe TBI (12%) than moderate TBI (1%, p < 0,001). Patients with severe TBI had longer hospital stays and poorer functional recovery than those with moderate TBI. CONCLUSION: This population-based study on pediatric TBI patients over a period of 4 years revealed a relatively low mortality rate. In 4 out of 5 patients moderate or severe TBI resulted in a good outcome with moderate, low or no disability. Advancing the understanding of evidence-based interventions aiming at preventing both primary and secondary injuries associated with pediatric TBI is essential for optimizing recovery and promoting functional independence in these young patients.