This study evaluated battery-related ED visits among US children using a nationally representative sample. Batteries pose an important hazard to children, especially those ≤ 5 years of age. The increasing number and rate of battery-related ED visits among children underscore the need for increased prevention efforts.

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT:Preschool-aged children have the highest risk of falling from windows, boys fall more frequently than girls, and the number of falls from windows peaks during warmer months. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:This study is the first to use a nationally representative sample of children treated in US hospital emergency departments, over a 19-year period, to identify risk factors and trends for pediatric window fall-related injuries.abstract OBJECTIVE: To examine the epidemiological features of pediatric injuries related to falls from windows. METHODS:By using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, emergency department (ED) data for pediatric injury cases associated with window falls in 1990 -2008 were reviewed. RESULTS:An estimated 98 415 children (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82 416 -114 419) were treated in US hospital EDs for window fallrelated injuries during the 19-year study period (average: 5180 patients per year [95% CI: 4828 -5531]). The mean age of children was 5.1 years, and boys accounted for 58.1% of cases. One-fourth (25.4%) of the patients required admission to the hospital. The annual injury rate decreased significantly during the study period because of a decrease in the annual injury rate among 0-to 4-year-old children. Children 0 to 4 years of age were more likely to sustain head injuries (injury proportion ratio [IPR] CONCLUSIONS:To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate window fall-related injuries treated in US hospital EDs by using a nationally representative sample. These injuries are an important pediatric public health problem, and increased prevention efforts are needed, including development and evaluation of innovative prevention programs. Pediatrics 2011;128:455-462

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: In 2001, an estimated 10 438 children were treated in US emergency departments for nonfatal choking on food. The foods most frequently associated with pediatric fatal choking are hot dogs, seeds, nuts, candy, and certain types of fruits and vegetables.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: From 2001 through 2009, an estimated annual average of 12 435 children ages 0 to 14 years were treated in US emergency departments for nonfatal choking on food; 0-to 4-year-olds accounted for 61.7% of episodes. Foods most frequently involved were candy, meat, bone, and fruits/vegetables. abstract OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of nonfatal choking on food among US children. METHODS:Using a nationally representative sample, nonfatal pediatric choking-related emergency department (ED) visits involving food for 2001 through 2009 were analyzed by using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program. Narratives abstracted from the medical record were reviewed to identify choking cases and the types of food involved.RESULTS: An estimated 111 914 (95% confidence interval: 83 975-139 854) children ages 0 to 14 years were treated in US hospital EDs from 2001 through 2009 for nonfatal food-related choking, yielding an average of 12 435 children annually and a rate of 20.4 (95% confidence interval: 15.4-25.3) visits per 100 000 population. The mean age of children treated for nonfatal food-related choking was 4.5 years. Children aged #1 year accounted for 37.8% of cases, and male children accounted for more than one-half (55. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first nationally representative study to focus solely on nonfatal pediatric food-related choking treated in US EDs over a multiyear period. Improved surveillance, food labeling and redesign, and public education are strategies that can help reduce pediatric choking on food. Pediatrics 2013;132:275-281 AUTHORS: