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Survey of burn admissions to the Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital
Insights
This study analyzed 347 pediatric burn accidents in Ethiopia from 1978-1987. Scald burns were most common, with mortality linked to burn severity, shock, and low protein levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn injuries
- Public health epidemiology
Background:
- Burn injuries represent a significant pediatric health concern in developing nations.
- Understanding the epidemiology of pediatric burns is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the patterns and outcomes of pediatric burn accidents treated at a hospital in Ethiopia.
- To identify risk factors associated with mortality in pediatric burn patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 347 pediatric burn cases admitted between January 1978 and December 1987.
- Data collected included patient demographics, burn etiology, burn severity, and treatment outcomes.
- Statistical analysis to identify factors correlating with mortality.
Main Results:
- Scald burns were the most frequent cause (61.1%), with second-degree burns to extremities being most common.
- Mortality rate was 11.5% (40 deaths).
- Increased mortality was observed in males with deep third-degree burns, shock, low total protein (<6 g%), extensive burns, and non-extremity burn sites.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric burn injuries, particularly scalds, pose a substantial burden in Ethiopia.
- Urgent implementation of preventive measures, including public education and legislation, is recommended to reduce burn-related morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
A retrospective analysis of burn accidents seen in Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia over 10 years from January 1978 to December 1987 is presented. A total of 347 cases were seen, accounting for 1.73% of all hospital admissions during the period studied. One hundred eighty-six (53.9%) were males. Scald was the commonest cause, 212 patients (61.1%). Second degree burns involving the extremities were the most frequent. Forty (11.5%) of the patients died. Increased mortality was seen in males with deep third degree burns, shock, a low total protein (less than 6 g%), extensive burns, and burns involving sites other than the extremities. Preventive measures such as educational programmes in schools and on the mass media, together with implementation of legislation to minimize the hazard, are recommended.