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Analysis Study Research Paper | Emergency Medicine | India | Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023

Validation of Pecarn Clinical Score in Children of Age Less than 6 Years Presenting to Emergency Department with Minor Head Trauma: A Cross Sectional Study

Dr. Vaisakh R Vijay ^[2] | Dr. Jobin Jose M ^[2] | Dr. Jeevan Jayakumar ^[2] | Dr. Jerin Miriam Johnson ^[2] | Dr. Yasir Sulaiman ^[2]

Abstract: Introduction: Head trauma in children is a common reason for medical evaluation in Emergency Department. The PECARN criteria is the most frequently applied guideline in those groups. This study seeks to determine the diagnostic performance of PECARN clinical score. Methodology: All PECARN negative children were kept under observation for 6 hours in the ED. During this time they were monitored for symptoms and signs of traumatic brain injury. If any symptoms occur during observation or parents insist for imaging, CT head was taken. Telephonic follow up done after ED discharge, and were asked for symptoms and signs of traumatic brain injury. Results: Out of 109 PECARN negative children, CT head was done in 78 children. CT head was normal for 59 children (54.1%). CT brain showed skull fractures/IC bleed among 19 children. Upon 24 hour follow up of the children, six children had symptoms. All other children were asymptomatic after discharge. Conclusion: Among 109 PECARN negative children, 19 (17.4%) children had head injury. The PECARN rule successfully identified 90 patients with no clinically - important traumatic brain injuries.

Keywords: PECARN Score, Minor Head Trauma

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,

Pages: 924 - 926