Abusive head trauma among children in Alaska: a population-based assessment

Background. Serious physical abuse resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been implicated as an underreported cause of infant mortality. Nearly 80 % of all abusive head trauma (AHT) occurs among children B2 years of age, with infants experiencing an incidence nearly 8 times that of 2-year olds. Objective. This study describes the validation of the CDC Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) definitions when applied to a multi-source database at the state level and provides a robust annual incidence estimate of AHT among children B2 years of age in Alaska. Design. AHT cases among children residing in Alaska during 20052010 were identified by applying the PAHT coding schema to a multi-source database which included vital death records, the Violent Deat