Evaluation of diagnostic performance of PECARN clinical decision rule in children with minor head trauma presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care center: an observational study

Salooja Sulthana N; Nikhil Paul; Archu MJ; Keerthana Manoharan K K; Linu SM; Visakh S Vinod

doi:10.20408/jti.2025.0165

April 22, 2026Journal of Trauma and InjuryOpen Access

Evaluation of diagnostic performance of PECARN clinical decision rule in children with minor head trauma presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care center: an observational study

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Key Points

The aim is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the PECARN clinical decision rule for pediatric minor head trauma in an emergency setting.
Performed an observational study in a tertiary care center
Evaluated the sensitivity and negative predictive value of the PECARN rule
Assessed its impact on reducing unnecessary CT imaging
The PECARN rule showed high sensitivity for identifying children at risk for clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI)
It had a strong negative predictive value, indicating reliability in ruling out serious conditions
The use of PECARN can significantly decrease the need for CT scans among children with minor head trauma.

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Implication

Observational study evaluates PECARN rule's accuracy in reducing CT imaging in children with minor head trauma, suggesting its reliability.

Abstract

The PECARN rule appears to be a reliable and safe tool for evaluating pediatric minor head trauma in Indian emergency settings. Its high sensitivity and negative predictive value support its use in reducing unnecessary CT imaging while accurately identifying children at risk for ciTBI.

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N et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69eb0b25553a5433e34b5011 https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2025.0165

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Evaluation of diagnostic performance of PECARN clinical decision rule in children with minor head trauma presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care center: an observational study

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Evaluation of diagnostic performance of PECARN clinical decision rule in children with minor head trauma presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care center: an observational study

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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