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Early childhood severe scalds in a developing country: A 3-year retrospective study
1Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Department of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Insights
Pediatric scald burns are a growing concern. Key mortality risk factors include young age, hot water exposure, and extensive burns, highlighting the need for caregiver education on prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn care
- Public health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- An increasing trend in pediatric scald burn admissions was observed.
- Scald burns present significant injury risks to young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographics, etiologies, and mortality risk factors of pediatric scald burns.
- To analyze data from pediatric patients admitted to a burns intensive care unit.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study of 166 pediatric patients (0-5 years) admitted between May 2009 and April 2012.
- Data extracted from the Burns Intensive Care Unit (BICU) Computerized Database System.
- Analysis included patient demographics, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Scald admissions accounted for 84.9% of cases.
- Mortality risk factors identified: age <3 years, scalds from hot water, Total Burns Surface Area (TBSA) >30%, and multiple body parts affected.
- Overall mortality rate was 9.2%.
Conclusions:
- Age, hot water scalds, and TBSA are significant risk factors for early childhood scalds.
- Targeted education for mothers and caregivers is crucial for scalds prevention awareness.
- Public health initiatives are needed to address the frequency and severity of pediatric scald burns.
Abstract:
The burns intensive care unit (BICU) staff observed an increasing number of pediatric scald burn admissions as a result of increase injuries associated with the scald burns. A retrospective study was conducted to identify scalds demographics, etiologies, and mortality risk factors. This descriptive study comprised a total of 166 patients aged 0-5 years, who were admitted to the BICU of the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit (RPSBU) through the Accident and Emergency (A and E) Centre of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)from May 1(st) 2009 to April 30(th) 2012. Source of information was the BICU Computerized Database System. Data extracted included demographics as well as treatment methods and outcomes. The study population was 166; 92 (55.4%) males and 74 (44.6%) females. Scalds admissions were 141 (84.9%); 13 (9.2%) of them died, 83 (58.9%) discharged, and 45 (31.9%) transferred-out to another burn ward and pediatric surgery ward in the hospital. Scald patients' demographics included 78 males (55.3%) and 63 females (44.7%); mean age was 2.18 years. Mortality risk factors identified were age <3 years (P = 0.044); scalds from hot water (P = 0.033), total burns surface area >30% (P = 0.017), and multiple body parts affected (P = 0.049). The current study showed age, hot water, and Total Burns Surface Area (TBSA) as risk factors of early childhood scalds. Education on scalds prevention targeting mothers/caregivers is needed to create awareness of the frequency, severity, and danger associated with pediatric scalds.
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