Dog Bites in the Pediatric Population: an updated review of the most affected population and its management in Costa Rica

Abstract

Dog bites in the pediatric population is an issue that may initially seem to be low yield and have a simple management, but in reality, it is one of the most common causes of non-fatal trauma in children. It also involves important aspects in its treatment that, if ignored, can imply subpar medical treatment, or even negligence in severe cases. Included in this updated and exhaustive review are many details specific to this trauma mechanism in the pediatric population in Costa Rica, without which the attending physician could miss important pearls that might have important repercussions on the short and long term emotional and physical well-being of the patient. The authors present recommendations that take into account not only international literature, but also important data taken from national archives and clinical experience derived from national healthcare centers, such as the need for antibiotic prophylaxis, the need to report a case suspicious for rabies, among other important clinical pearls. The review includes epidemiologic data on dog bites in the pediatric population sourced from the Hospital San Juan de Dios, as well as local protocols for rabies management and prophylaxis from the Ministerio de Salud Costarricense as to better provide the practicing physician the best information possible to treat patients presenting with this mechanism of trauma in Costa Rica.