Journal of pediatric surgery
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Multicenter Study
Head injury and unclear mechanism of injury: initial hematocrit less than 30 is predictive of abusive head trauma in young children.
Head injury secondary to abusive head trauma (AHT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in susceptible young infants and children. Diagnosing AHT remains challenging and is often complicated by a questionable mechanism of injury. Concern of ionizing radiation risk to children undergoing head CT imaging warrants a selective approach. We aimed to evaluate initial findings that could direct further investigation of AHT. ⋯ In the setting of head injury and unclear history of trauma, a hematocrit of ≤ 30% on presentation increases the likelihood of abusive head trauma in children up to the age of 5 years.