The Brazilian National Unified Health System (SUS) expenditures related to hospitalizations of trauma children and adolescents in the Pernambuco State in 1999. were evaluated. Data were collected from the databank of the Hospital Information System of the DATASUS, based on information recorded on the Hospitalization Authorization Forms (AIH). A total of 9,220 hospital admissions by external causes were identified with a cost of R$ 3,659,558.62, with 7,807 hospitalizations due to trauma (84.7%). The mean cost of hospital admissions for children and adolescents in the Pernambuco State this year was R$ 306.49 versus a mean cost of hospital admissions for trauma of R$ 370.66. Head trauma and limb fractures were associated with higher costs.
Wounds and injuries; Hospital costs; Fractures
