[The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of acute brain injury in children of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria].

The paper provides the data of an epidemiological survey for acute brain injury in the pediatric population in Nalchik (Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria) during 3 years (1991-1993). The incidence of acute brain injury was 4.32 +/- 0.30, 5.13 +/- 0.34, and 5.44 +/- 0.36 per 1000 children in 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively, i.e. there is a statistically significant trend for the figures to increase (t = 2.39; p < 0.01). The death of victims was caused by their severe condition and mortality rates were 0.91; those due to brain contusion and compression were 2.68. The paper also presents the structure of victims by the severity of injury and by the differentiation of these parameters by age, and the relationship of craniocerebral traumatism to a number of social factors. Particular emphasis is laid on the quality of specialized aid. The minimum required diagnostic equipment is determined for the correct evaluation of the severity of injury. Algorithms of delivering care to children depending to their age are given, which make the work of an admission department physician easier, reduce the number of diagnostic and therapeutic errors, and promote a reduction in economic costs. The findings enable one to gain an idea of the level of craniocerebral traumatism and to define measures to improve health care.