Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Author Spotlight: A Multi-Depth Porcine Model for Comprehensive Study of Burn Injuries and Healing Processes
Published on: February 23, 2024
The epidemiology of burns in young children from Mexico treated at a U.S. hospital
Dipen D Patel1, Laura Rosenberg2, Marta Rosenberg2
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
Insights
Pediatric burn prevention is crucial for young children. This study identified key risk factors for flame and scald burns in children under five from Mexico, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn research
- Injury prevention science
- Public health
Background:
- Young children face the highest risk of severe burns.
- A pediatric burn hospital has a long history of treating children from Mexico.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors is key for burn prevention in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify modifiable risk factors for burns in children under five from Mexico.
- To inform the development of targeted burn prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 447 pediatric burn patients.
- Data collected from patients injured between 2000 and 2013.
- Analysis focused on children under five years of age from Mexico.
Main Results:
- Flame and scald burns were the primary causes.
- Children with flame injuries were slightly older than those with scalds.
- Flame burns often resulted from explosions and fires; scalds from immersion in hot liquids.
Conclusions:
- Demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors are vital for effective burn prevention programs.
- Providing burn prevention education to parents is essential for reducing injuries.
Introduction:
Young children are the most vulnerable for sustaining burns. At this pediatric burn hospital we have provided medical care to young children with severe burns from Mexico for many years. This study identified modifiable risk factors that could be used to assist in prevention of burns in this age group.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed with children <5 years of age from Mexico who were injured from 2000 to 2013. The medical records of 447 acute patients were reviewed.
Results:
There were 187 females and 260 males with large burns >20% total body surface area (TBSA) burned. Primary causes of burns were flame and scalds. Children with flame injuries were older (3.0±1.5 years of age) than those with scalds (2.6±1.2 years of age). Admissions attributed to flame burns were largely from explosions by propane tanks, gas line leaks, and house fires. Most admissions for scalds were predominantly from falling in large containers of hot water, food, or grease; and fewer were attributed to spills from hot liquids. Most cases reported to a social service agency were to find resources for families. Mortality rate for flame and scald burns was low.
Conclusions:
It is important take into account demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic variables when developing and implementing prevention programs. Burn prevention instruction for parents is crucial.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism