Burns in children: standard and new treatments

Marc G Jeschke1, David N Herndon2

  • 1Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.

Lancet (London, England)
|September 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Patient outcomes for severe burns have improved significantly. However, burns exceeding 60% total body surface area remain a critical risk, necessitating advancements in pediatric burn care.

Area of Science:

  • Medical research
  • Pediatric medicine
  • Burn management

Background:

  • Patient outcomes for burn injuries have seen substantial improvements over the last 20 years.
  • A 2012 study indicated that burn sizes over 60% of total body surface area (TBSA) are linked to increased mortality.
  • This trend of increased TBSA associated with mortality has been observed in both adult and elderly populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in burn care.
  • To explore future developments in burn treatment.
  • To specifically address the improvement of outcomes for pediatric burn patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies in burn care.
  • Analysis of trends in burn size and associated mortality.
  • Discussion of emerging and future therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Burn care has advanced, leading to better patient outcomes.
  • A significant increase in the percentage of total body surface area burned (TBSA) is associated with higher mortality risk.
  • Data from adults and elderly patients corroborate the risks associated with severe burns.

Conclusions:

  • While overall burn care has improved, large TBSA burns continue to pose significant risks.
  • Continued innovation in burn management is crucial.
  • Focusing on advancements in pediatric burn care is essential for improving outcomes in children.

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