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Objective: Forensic cases play an important role in emergency departments for both children and adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment approaches of forensic cases admitted to the pediatric emergency department.
Methods: Data of 510 children admitted to our hospital in 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.
Results: Of the 510 children, 256 (50.2%) were male, and their mean age was 91.9±75.9 months. Admissions were made most frequently in the winter, in the evening, and by the patients themselves. The most common diagnoses were drug poisoning, suicide attempt, corrosive substance intake and alcohol/illegal substance use. Drug poisoning was more frequent in patients aged <10 years, and suicide attempt cases were more frequent in patients aged >10 years. According to sex, suicide attempts were higher in female patients and alcohol and illegal substance use were higher in male patients. Ambulance use was most common in the age group above 15 years. The treatment plan did not differ according to the arrival of the patients. Most of the patients were discharged after outpatient treatment, and 42 patients were referred to another center. All of the recurrent admission patients were aged >15 years, and the most common diagnosis was suicide attempt. Most of these patients were treated as outpatients and discharged.
Conclusion: Forensic cases are generally urgent and should be treated with priority. To reduce the number of applications for preventable reasons, protective measures should be taken for children at home and outside and a safe environment should be established.
Cite this article as: Akça H, Oğlakçıoğlu A, Güneri K. Evaluation of Forensic Cases Admitted to Pediatric Emergency Department: A Single-Center Experience. Cerrahpasa Med J 2019; 43(3): 75-79.