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BACKGROUND: Alcohol intoxication in pediatric trauma is underappreciated. The aim of this study was to characterize alcohol screening rates in pediatric trauma METHODS: The Los Angeles County Trauma System Database was queried for all patients aged < 18 years who required admission between 2003 and 2008. Patients were compared by age and gender. RESULTS: A total of 18,598 patients met the inclusion criteria; 4,899 (26.3%) underwent blood alcohol screening, and 2,797 (57.1%) of those screened positive. Screening increased with age (3.3% for 0-9 years, 15.1% for 10-14 years, and 45.4% for 15-18 years; P < .01), as did alcohol intoxication (1.9% for 0-9 years, 5.8% 10-14 years, and 27.3% for 15-18 years; P < .01). Male gender predicted higher mortality in those aged 15 to 18 years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; P < .01), while alcohol intoxication did not (adjusted odds ratio, .97; P = .84). CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol intoxication is common in adolescent trauma patients. Screening is en-couraged for pediatric trauma patients aged >10 years who require admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: This analysis explored the association between gender and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in trauma patients and then established how gender influenced outcomes in those with elevated SBP. Methods: Demographics and outcomes were compared using the Los Angeles County Trauma System Database and multivariable modeling determined predictors for SBP, pneumonia, and mortality. Results: Age and male sex were significant predictors for increased SBP, whereas the Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16 was a significant predictor for decreased SBP. In both male and female TBI patients, SBP ≥160 mmHg was associated with increased pneumonia (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.74, P = .002 and AOR = 2.37, P = .046, respectively), whereas SBP ≥160 mmHg was a predictor for mortality only among male TBI patients (AOR = 1.48, P = .03). In non-TBI patients, SBP ≥160 mmHg was not a predictor for pneumonia or mortality in either sex. Conclusions: In this retrospective review of trauma registry data, men presented with higher SBP. In patients with TBI, regardless of gender, increased SBP was associated with increased pneumonia, and in men with TBI increased SBP was associated with increased mortality. The cause and relevance of these epidemiological findings require further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]