# A Systematic Review of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: What a Surgeon Needs to Know Before Using a Knife

## TL;DR

This systematic review summarizes key clinical and radiological aspects of abusive head trauma in children under five to guide surgeons.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive synthesis of clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes specific to abusive head trauma in young children.

## Key findings

- AHT commonly causes blindness and developmental delays.
- Extracranial injuries are frequently associated with AHT cases.
- Radiological advancements are improving the detection and understanding of AHT.

## Abstract

Abusive head trauma (AHT) has been defined as an injury to the skull or intracranial contents of a baby or young child (age less than five years) due to inflicted blunt impact and/or forceful shaking. It has a substantial impact, such as blindness and severe developmental delay in the short and long run. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between January 2001 and December 2021. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the included studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool was used to assess the bias in the studies included. A total of 58 studies were included for review. Out of them, 20 studies looked at the risk factors, 28 studies addressed the clinical features, 28 publications described extracranial injuries, 26 papers discussed radiological procedures and various abnormalities, and 31 studies discussed outcomes. We hope to share with clinicians and surgeons the information learned by conducting this review about clinical aspects, patterns of injuries to extra-cranial systems among AHT, radiographic technologies, and upcoming advancements in radiological aspects and overall outcomes of AHT.