Characteristics of paediatric burns seen at a tertiary centre in a low income country: a five year (2004-2008) study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Burn Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Children represent a vulnerable population for burn injuries.
• The last epidemiological study on pediatric burns in Lagos, Nigeria, was conducted 40 years ago.
• Increasing petroleum-related fire disasters necessitate updated research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current epidemiology of pediatric burns in Lagos, Nigeria.
• To identify the primary causes, risk factors, and outcomes of major burns in children.
• To inform burn prevention strategies and healthcare management.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of children (up to 14 years) admitted with major burns at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) from 2004 to 2008.
• Data collected included demographics, burn mechanisms, Total Surface Area (TBSA) burned, depth, management, and outcomes.
• Autopsy findings were analyzed for fatal cases.

Main Results:

• A total of 298 pediatric burn cases were analyzed; males predominated (198 vs. 100 females).
• The mean age was 4.56 ± 3.95 years, with the highest incidence in toddlers (40%) and children aged 2-5 years (25.5%).
• Fire was the leading cause (66.4%), with a mean TBSA of 29.67 ± 21.98%. The mortality rate was 29.9%, with asphyxia being the primary cause of death in 48.27% of autopsied cases.

Conclusions:

• This study highlights fire as the leading cause of pediatric burns in Lagos, Nigeria, with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Factors contributing to mortality include asphyxia, multiple organ dysfunction, and septicaemia.
• There is a critical need to enhance public awareness regarding burn prevention and improve healthcare facility preparedness.