Impact of Trauma Center Type on Outcomes in Pediatric Population Following Severe Isolated Blunt Traumatic Brain Injuries: A National Analysis.

This study examines the association between trauma center type and verification level on clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with moderate and severe isolated blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI) using data from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) from 2017 to 2021. Findings indicate that pediatric patients treated at level-I pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) and combined adult and pediatric trauma centers (CTCs) had significantly lower in-hospital mortality and were more likely to be discharged home compared to those treated at adult trauma centers (ATCs). At level-II centers, discharge home was also more frequent at PTCs and CTCs than ATCs, though mortality differences were not significant. The study supports existing guidelines recommending transport of pediatric TBI patients to PTCs when available and highlights the need for further research on long-term outcomes and care differences across trauma center types to optimize pediatric trauma care and emergency medical service protocols.