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Inflicted burns and scalds in children
British Medical Journal
|November 1, 1975
Summary
Childhood burns and scalds can indicate non-accidental injury. Healthcare providers should suspect inflicted burns in children, especially with perineal involvement or other injuries, and consider skeletal surveys and social work intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Thermal injuries in children, including burns and scalds, can be accidental or inflicted.
- Recognizing patterns of injury is crucial for identifying potential child abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the association between thermal injuries in children and inflicted trauma.
- To inform healthcare professionals about the indicators of non-accidental burns and scalds.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 16 children with thermal injuries over three years.
- Documentation of injury characteristics, body surface area affected, and presence of other injuries.
Main Results:
- Ten children had burns and six had scalds, with injuries affecting <5% of body surface area and no fatalities.
- Seven children had perineal or buttock involvement; 12 had evidence of other inflicted injuries, including six recent fractures.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare staff must be vigilant for inflicted thermal injuries in children.
- Skeletal surveys and case conferences with social work services are recommended in suspected cases to ensure child safety and appropriate family support or legal intervention.