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[Epidemiological studies on scalded children admitted to the burns unit at the Hvidovre hospital during 1981-1990]
Insights
Pediatric scald admissions remained constant from 1981-1990. Hot liquids like water, tea, and coffee were common causes, with toddlers most affected, suggesting insufficient prevention campaigns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn care
- Epidemiology of childhood injuries
Context:
- Hvidovre Hospital Burns Unit data from 1981-1990.
- Analysis of 436 pediatric scald admissions aged 0-5 years.
Purpose:
- To analyze trends in pediatric scald admissions over a decade.
- Identify common causes and demographics of childhood scalds.
Summary:
- No reduction in scald admissions observed between 1981-1990.
- Hot liquids (water, tea, coffee) were primary agents.
- Children aged 1-2 years were most frequently affected.
- 37% of cases required grafting; average hospital stay was 16 days.
Impact:
- Highlights the persistent issue of pediatric scalds.
- Suggests current prophylactic campaigns may be inadequate.
- Informs future injury prevention strategies for young children.
Abstract:
During the ten year period 1981 to 1990, a total of 436 children aged 0-5 years were admitted for scalds at the Burns Unit of Hvidovre Hospital. We did not find any reduction in the number of admissions during this period nor was any change in the patterns of scalds found. Water, tea and coffee were the main causal agents of scalds and the dominant group of scalded children was between the ages one to two years. In 37% of cases, the scalds required grafting and the average stay in hospital was 16 days. The background for this unchanged pattern could be that the prophylactive campaigns have been insufficient.