Impacto de los cambios normativos y epidemiológicos en el tratamiento del trauma en niños, niñas y adolescentes en Chile.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Impacto de los cambios normativos y epidemiológicos en el tratamiento del trauma en niños, niñas y adolescentes en Chile.
Alternate Title:	Impact of regulatory and epidemiological changes on trauma care in children and adolescents in Chile.
Authors:	Becker Jacques, Bernardita^1,2, Sáez Binelli, Josefina^1,2, Correia Dubos, Guillermo³, Vuletin Solís, Fernando^1,2, Pattillo Silva, Juan Carlos^1,2 jpattillo@ucchristus.cl
Source:	Andes Pediatrica. may/jun2026, Vol. 97 Issue 3, p414-420. 7p.
Subjects:	Pediatrics, Epidemiology, Chileans, Prevention of injury, Medical economics, Health policy, Teenagers, Trauma centers
Geographic Terms:	Chile
Abstract (English):	Chile has undergone significant demographic and epidemiological changes impacting healthcare for children and adolescents, particularly in trauma care. In 2025, the Ministry of Health extended the pediatric age limit to 18 years, aligning with international recommendations. Objective: To analyze the impact of changes in trauma care from an epidemiological and economic evaluation perspective. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study based on open-access data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS), the National Institute of Statistics (INE), and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights. Hospital discharge data, trauma causes, mortality, and current legislation were analyzed and interpreted according to CHEERS criteria. Results: The extension of the pediatric age limit led to an increase of nearly 30% in the population assigned to pediatric services. Additionally, the projected annual economic impact exceeded CLP 635 billion. Concurrently, a sustained increase in trauma-related hospital discharges among adolescents was observed, with a higher frequency of injuries associated with interpersonal violence, self-inflicted injuries, and high-energy accidents. Conclusions: Extending the pediatric age limit poses a challenge for the training of Surgeons and Pediatricians involved in trauma care and calls for restructuring adolescent trauma management through specific training, updating protocols, and budget planning. A National Pediatric Trauma Network is proposed, with stratified centers, integration with Emergency Medical Services, and a mandatory registry, aiming to promote quality, equity, and continuity of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Spanish):	Chile ha experimentado importantes cambios demográficos y epidemiológicos que afectan la atención de salud de niños, niñas y adolescentes, particularmente en el tratamiento del trauma. En 2025, el Ministerio de Salud amplió el límite de edad pediátrica hasta los 18 años, alineándose con recomendaciones internacionales. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de los cambios en la atención del trauma desde una perspectiva epidemiológica y de evaluación económica. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo basado en datos abiertos del Departamento de estadísticas e información de Salud (DEIS), Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (INE) y la Defensoría de la Niñez. Se analizaron egresos hospitalarios, causas de trauma, mortalidad, y normativa vigente. Se interpretaron los resultados bajo criterios CHEERS. Resultados: Con la extensión del límite de edad pediátrica se generó un aumento cercano al 30% de la población asignada a servicios pediátricos. Además, se estimó un impacto económico anual potencial superior a CLP 635 mil millones. En paralelo, se evidenció un incremento sostenido de egresos hospitalarios por trauma en adolescentes, destacando una mayor frecuencia de lesiones asociadas a violencia interpersonal, lesiones autoinfligidas y accidentes de alta energía. Conclusiones: La extensión del límite pediátrico presenta un desafío para la formación de cirujanos y pediatras que atienden trauma y exige reestructurar la atención al trauma adolescente mediante capacitación específica, actualización de protocolos y planificación presupuestaria. Se propone organizar una Red Nacional de Trauma Pediátrico con centros estratificados, integración con Servicios Médicos de Urgencias y registro obligatorio, impulsando calidad, equidad y continuidad asistencial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	MedicLatina

Description
Abstract:	Chile has undergone significant demographic and epidemiological changes impacting healthcare for children and adolescents, particularly in trauma care. In 2025, the Ministry of Health extended the pediatric age limit to 18 years, aligning with international recommendations. Objective: To analyze the impact of changes in trauma care from an epidemiological and economic evaluation perspective. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study based on open-access data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS), the National Institute of Statistics (INE), and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights. Hospital discharge data, trauma causes, mortality, and current legislation were analyzed and interpreted according to CHEERS criteria. Results: The extension of the pediatric age limit led to an increase of nearly 30% in the population assigned to pediatric services. Additionally, the projected annual economic impact exceeded CLP 635 billion. Concurrently, a sustained increase in trauma-related hospital discharges among adolescents was observed, with a higher frequency of injuries associated with interpersonal violence, self-inflicted injuries, and high-energy accidents. Conclusions: Extending the pediatric age limit poses a challenge for the training of Surgeons and Pediatricians involved in trauma care and calls for restructuring adolescent trauma management through specific training, updating protocols, and budget planning. A National Pediatric Trauma Network is proposed, with stratified centers, integration with Emergency Medical Services, and a mandatory registry, aiming to promote quality, equity, and continuity of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	24526045
DOI:	10.32641/andespediatr.v97i3.5880