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Severe Burn Injury in a Swine Model for Clinical Dressing Assessment
Published on: November 6, 2018
Epidemiology of pediatric burn in southern Taiwan
Tsai-Ming Lin1, Kai-Hung Wang, Cheng-Sheng Lai
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan. ming@cc.kmu.edu.tw
Insights
Pediatric burns are most common in young children (1-6 years), primarily caused by scalds from hot drinks and soups in kitchens. Colder seasons and mealtimes increase burn incidents in Taiwan.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Burn Epidemiology
- Injury Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Pediatric burns represent a significant public health concern, necessitating detailed epidemiological studies.
- Understanding the incidence, mechanisms, and common agents of pediatric burns is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the incidence, primary causes, and common agents involved in pediatric burns.
- To analyze the demographic and seasonal patterns of pediatric burn injuries.
- To correlate burn occurrences with environmental and behavioral factors in Taiwan.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year retrospective review of 157 pediatric patients admitted to a burn center.
- Data collection included patient age, burn type, location of injury, causative agents, and time of occurrence.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine incidence rates and significant associations.
Main Results:
- The highest incidence of pediatric burns was observed in children aged 1-6 years (57.3%).
- Scald burns (75.2%) were the predominant injury type, with hot drinks and soups being leading agents.
- Burns frequently occurred in kitchens/dining areas during colder seasons and mealtimes.
Conclusions:
- Young children are most vulnerable to scald burns, often occurring in domestic settings like kitchens.
- Preventive measures should focus on safe food/drink handling and environmental modifications, particularly during colder months and mealtimes.
- Local culinary practices may influence the specific agents and circumstances of pediatric burns.
Abstract:
A 5-year retrospective review of 157 pediatric patients admitted to burn center of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (Kaohsiung, Taiwan) was undertaken to identify the incidence, mechanism, and agents of pediatric burn. The highest incidence of pediatric burn was in children aged 1-6 years (57.3%), followed by age group 6-14 years (31.8%). Scald burn (75.2%) made up the major cause of this injury and was dominant in each age group compared to non-scald burn. The kitchen/dining area (57.3%) and living room (29.9%) accounted for the most frequent places where pediatric burns occurred. Among the agents of scald burn, hot drink (49.2%) and soup (32.2%) were the two leading causes. There were more pediatric burns reported in colder seasons (38.2% and 33.1% in winter and fall respectively) and during dining time (19.7% in 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 35.0% in 5 p.m.-8 p.m.). The results of this report may be closely related to special culinary habits (use of chafing-dish and making hot tea) in the south of Taiwan.
