Prevalence of traumatic brain injury in children of Russian Federation: epidemiology and economic aspects

Aim. To define epidemiological features of traumatic brain injury in children and to assess economic losses caused by this condition.

Methods. The prevalence of traumatic brain injury in children for the period of 2003-2012 in Russia according to State Statistical Database. Direct and indirect economic losses (overall and per patient) were calculated for 2012.

Results. The study revealed an increase of traumatic brain injury prevalence in children for the analyzed period, with the domestic traumatism prevailing among all brain trauma injuries, especially in girls. The amount of economic losses due to traumatic brain injury in children of Russian Federation in 2012 was about 4 milliard roubles. However, this figure is considerably underestimated, because the amount of expenses per one patient with traumatic brain injury is a quarter less compared to the standard sum per one case traumatic brain injury according to the standards of obligatory health insurance. On the one hand, it may be explained by high admission rate in children with minor head injury. On the other hand, it may be a result of insufficient healthcare funding as well as unaccounted expenses for medical care and drug coverage, especially in children with severe traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion. The reduction of economic losses due to pediatric traumatic brain injury is possible not only by preventing new cases of traumatic brain injury but also by optimizing medical care.