Age group analysis of patients with dog bite injuries who visited a single regional emergency medical center and factors affecting wound infections

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze by age group the characteristics of patients with dog bite injuries, as well as determine which factors were associated with wound infections in those patients. Methods: We reviewed patients with dog bite injuries who presented to Gachon University Gil Medical Center in Incheon, Korea from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. They were classified by age group: children (0–18 years), adults (19–59 years), or elderly (≥60 years). Event profiles, wound characteristics, and infections were compared across these age groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with wound infections.Results: Of the total 972 dog bite injuries, 272 (28.0%) were in children, 606 (62.3%) were in adults, and 94 (9.7%) were in the elderly. The median age was 30 years (interquartile range, 16–48 years) and the majority of patients (60.5%) were female. The most common place of injury was at home (73.8%) and indoors (77.0%). In children, the head and neck were the most frequent sites of injury (43%), while the most frequent site in adults and the elderly (50.8% and 59.6%, respectively) was the upper extremity. The odds ratio (OR) for wound infection was 3.997 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.279–12.491; P=0.017) for head and neck injuries and 3.881 (95% CI, 1.488–10.122; P=0.006) for lower extremity injuries. The OR for wound infection was 4.769 (95% CI, 2.167–10.494; P<0.001) for significant injuries. Elderly patients had a higher risk for wound infection than other age groups (OR, 2.586; 95% CI, 1.221–5.475; P=0.013).Conclusions: When analyzing patients with dog bite injuries, differences across age groups were found, with the elderly at the highest risk for significant injury and wound infection. It is recommended that age-specific approaches and strategies be used to prevent dog bite wound infections.

Medical and legal evaluation of injuries due to dog bites: a Türkiye study

“…It is reported that lesions are mostly superficial not requiring any sutures or surgical interventions, which are treated with local injury care with simple medical treatment. [ 21 , 23 , 29 ] In our study, we found that superficial injuries were common at a rate of 54.4% and simple medical treatment (localized wound care) was applied to 62.5% of our cases.…”

“…Along with this increase, injuries due to dog attacks are increasing day by day, and many health, economic, and legal problems arise with it. [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 20 , 21 ]…”

“…It is stated that injuries are more common on days with longer daylight duration and heat. [ 21 , 27 ] It was thought that the increased activeness in social life during summer seasons leads to an increase in potential contact with dogs, an increase in the excitation of dogs, and the negative effects of seasonal factors on dogs such as hot weather may be reasons why dogs become more offensive during spring-summer times.…”

“…In the literature, there are many studies on especially infective complications after dog bites. [ 2 , 21 ] However, there is no sufficient study about disabilities where impairment ratings were determined with final examinations after sufficient time has passed for the follow-up and treatment of people. Our cases applied between 0.6 and 3.8 years after the events, and their final status examinations were performed in our board.…”

“…Dog bite wounds may be seen on the face, especially among children, more than adults, due to their low heights and facial structures. [ 2 , 21 , 30 , 31 ] Facial wounds may cause serious problems, either physical or psychological, and facial deformities. [ 2 , 23 , 24 ] The face area is the first area of the body that stands out as a window in the person’s communication with the outside world.…”