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Epidemiology of paediatric burns in Indore, India
G Mukerji1, S Chamania, G P Patidar
1Burn Unit, Choithram Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box 131, Manik BAgh Road, MP452001, Indore, India.
Insights
Paediatric burns in children aged 0-14 years are predominantly caused by scalds in younger children and flames/electricity in older ones. Most burns occur at home during winter, necessitating public awareness campaigns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Burn Injury Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pediatric burns represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiology of burn injuries in children is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric burns treated at Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore.
- To identify risk factors and trends in pediatric burn injuries.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 110 pediatric burn cases (0-14 years) from 1993-1999.
- Data collected included age, sex, seasonality, burn cause, and location.
- Patients were categorized into three age groups: 0-2, >2-6, and >6-14 years.
Main Results:
- Hospitalized pediatric burns accounted for 13.5% of total burn accidents.
- Scalding was the primary cause in infants/toddlers and early childhood; flame/electric burns predominated in late childhood.
- Burns were more frequent in males, occurred mostly at home (95%), and peaked in winter (53.6%).
- The overall mortality rate was 21.8%.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric burn injuries exhibit distinct etiological patterns based on age.
- Home environment and seasonal factors play a significant role in burn incidence.
- Public awareness campaigns are essential to reduce the incidence and severity of pediatric burns.
Abstract:
A retrospective study was carried out based on 110 paediatric burns (0-14 years) seen at the Burn unit, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore over a period of 7 years (1993-1999). Epidemiological data included age, sex, seasonal variation, place of burn and the cause and mode of burn. Hospitalised paediatric burns constituted 13.5% of total burn accidents. These children were categorised into three groups, the infants and toddlers (0-2 years), early childhood (>2-6 years) and late childhood (>6-14 years). In the first two groups scalding was the predominant cause of injury while in late childhood there were many more flame and electric burns. Males were mainly affected. Most of the burns (53.6%) occurred in the winter season between October and February. Ninety-five percent of accidents occurred at home. The overall mortality rate was 21.8%. An intense campaign to make people aware of the risk factors and their avoidance is required to reduce the number of burn accidents in children.