Evaluation Of Pediatric Emergency Presentations Managed Under A Mandatory Reporting Framework: A Retrospective Analysis Of 1,198 Cases

Purpose: This study evaluated the demographic characteristics, etiologies, temporal patterns, and emergency department outcomes of pediatric forensic cases presenting to a tertiary emergency department.Material and Methods: Medical records of patients under 18 years managed under mandatory reporting from January 1 to December 31, 2024, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, admission causes, timing, seasonal distribution, and outcomes were analyzed. Multivariable regression identified characteristics that distinguished trauma from poisoning presentations.Results: A total of 1,198 cases were included, with a median age of 11.9 years (IQR: 5.2–15.8) and 63.3% male. Trauma accounted for 78.8% of cases, followed by poisoning (18.1%). Trauma was more common in males and in summer, whereas poisoning was more frequent in females and peaked in winter. Suicide attempts accounted for 31.8% of poisoning cases, predominantly among adolescents. Multiple drug ingestion was the leading cause of suicidal poisoning, whereas accidental poisonings mainly resulted from food-related toxins and corrosive agents. In multivariable analysis, male sex (aOR 3.60, 95% CI 2.61–4.98), presentation within two hours (aOR 3.05, 95% CI 2.14–4.34), and season (p < 0.001) were independently associated with trauma; age and arrival mode were not.Conclusion: Pediatric cases show distinct patterns by age, sex, and season, informing departmental planning and preventive strategies.