The Role of Obesity in Motor Vehicle Injuries and Fatalities in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review

Purpose: A systematic review done to evaluate obesity as a risk factor for injuries and mortality in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) in the pediatric population, as there has not been a systematic review done in over 10 years. This study aims to update the literature regarding obesity as a risk factor for injuries in MVAs in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the use of 3 total articles to analyze obesity as a risk factor for overall injury and mortality in the pediatric population. Results: Zaveri et al demonstrated a statistically significant, but weak, decrease in the odds of extremity injury in overweight patients ages 2 to 17 years old (odds ratio [OR] = 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4-1.0, P <= 0.05). On the other hand, Pollack et al and Haricharan et al found an increase in extremity injury in the obese population, in ages 9 to 15 years (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.15-5.59, P <= 0.05), and 10 to 17 years (Age 10-13: OR = 6.06, 95% CI = 2.23-16.44, P <= 0.05, Age 14-17 OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.04-2.00, P <= 0.05), respectively. Haricharan et al also found an increase in thoracic injuries in obese children, ages 2 to 13 and increased risk of head/face/neck injury in obese children ages 2 to 5 (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.03-13.08, P <= 0.05), but a decreased risk of head injury in obese children ages 14 to 17 (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.18-0.60, P <= 0.05). Conclusions: There are sparse data that are conflicting, regarding the effect of obesity on extremity injuries in the pediatric population. Obesity is not protective against thoracic, head, or abdominal injuries. However, it was found to be a risk factor for trunk injuries in ages 2 to 13, as well as head/face/neck injuries for ages 2 to 5. Since the literature is so sparse, further research is warranted in these areas.

Automated summary

This study found that obesity may increase the risk of extremity injuries in pediatric population involved in motor vehicle accidents, and could lead to thoracic and head/neck injuries. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of obesity on head injuries, requiring further research for confirmation.