Upper egypt experience in management of paediatric burn: the last six years

Childhood burns in Egypt are a significant problem, especially in families of low socioeconomic status. These families live in overcrowded flats using kerosene stoves but lacking proper hygiene and adequate safety measures. Over the 6-yr period 2004-2009 a total number of 1999 burned children (1440 children treated as out-patients with less than 10% total body surface area [TBSA] burned plus 559 with more than 10% TBSA burns treated as in-patients) presented to the burn unit of Assiut University Hospital. In the out-patient group (1440 children), the most common site was the upper limb (40% of patients) and the least common was the chest (9%). Scalding was the most common cause (75%), followed by flame (25%). The mean age of children in this group was 4.5 yr. The in-patient group (559 children) was classified into three age groups: group 1 (age below 5 yr), group 2 (5-10 yr), and group 3 (11-16 yr). Group 1 was most affected by burns, with 61% of the cases, while group 3 was the least affected (17%). The most common cause of injury was scalding (68%) and the least common was chemical burn (1%). Regarding gender, boys accounted for 64.5% of the cases and girls 35.5%. Burn size ranged from 10 to 50% TBSA, classified into three groups: group 1 (10-15%), group 2 (16-20%), and group 3 (more than 20%). Most of the affected children were in group 3 (41% of in-patient cases). The mortality rate was 13.1%. The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological features of burn accidents as the basis for a prophylactic programme to protect young children from scalds and older children from the hazards of fire games and child labour. The study covered the incidence, cause, place, and time of the burns. Demographic aspects, burn severity, socioeconomic factors, and mortality rate were also included in this study of burned children in Upper Egypt aged 0-16 yr in the 6-yr period 2004-09.