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Pediatric burns in Mosul: an epidemiological study
S M Al-Zacko1, H G Zubeer2, A S Mohammad3
1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Mosul, Iraq.
Insights
Pediatric burn patients in Mosul, Iraq, experienced a high case fatality rate of 16.75%, with scalds being the most common injury. Flame burns were significantly more fatal than scalds, highlighting the need for home safety education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Pediatric burns represent a significant public health concern globally.
- Understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric burns is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the characteristics and case fatality rate of pediatric burns in Mosul, Iraq.
- To identify risk factors associated with mortality in pediatric burn patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2011 to March 2012.
- Data were collected from pediatric burn patients (≤14 years) admitted to Al-Jamhoori Teaching Hospital.
- Analysis included burn type, total body surface area (TBSA) burned, age, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Of 459 admissions, 209 (45.53%) were pediatric patients with a mean age of 4.73 years.
- Scalds were the most common burn type (occurring in domestic settings), followed by flame burns.
- The overall case fatality rate was 16.75%, with higher mortality in patients with >40% TBSA burns.
- Flame burns (35.35% fatality) were significantly more fatal than scalds (12.05% fatality).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric burns in Mosul have a high case fatality rate, particularly those caused by flames.
- Burn prevention efforts should target domestic safety improvements and parental education.
- Age group 2-4 years and extensive TBSA involvement were associated with increased mortality.
Abstract:
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the characteristics and case fatality rate of pediatric burns in Mosul, Iraq. The study group was burn patients aged 14 years and under who were admitted to the Burns Unit in Al-Jamhoori Teaching Hospital from the 1(st) of March 2011 to the 1(st) of March 2012. Of the 459 emergency burn admissions, 209 (45.53%) were pediatric patients up to 14 years of age, with a mean age of 4.73±3.61 years. Scald was the most common type of burn and occurred mainly in domestic settings. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 19.73±17.15%. Thirty-five patients died during the study period, giving a case fatality rate of 16.75%. The maximum number of deaths occurred in the 2-4 years age group. The case fatality rate was high in patients having more than 40% TBSA involvement. Flame burns were significantly more fatal than scalds, with a fatality rate of 35.35% and 12.05% respectively; (p=0.0001). In conclusion, given that most pediatric burn accidents occur at home, burn prevention should be focused on improving living conditions and on providing an educational program for parents.
