Mammalian Bite Wounds in Children: Evidence-Based Management in the Emergency Department - Trauma EXTRA Supplement (Trauma CME and Pharmacology CME)

Points & Pearls Excerpt

• In the US, most animal bites are attributed to house pets (primarily dogs and cats).² Children aged <15 years are 1.4 times more likely than other age groups to be bitten by an animal, with boys at greater risk of being bitten than girls.⁷
• The peak incidence of human bites in the pediatric population occurs among toddlers and early teenagers.⁵⁰
• The physical examination is the most important aspect of the initial evaluation of bite wounds. Mammalian bite wounds should be assessed for location, depth of penetration, amount of devitalized tissue, and the presence of any foreign material.
• There are few diagnostic studies that will affect initial treatment of bite wounds