Comparison of clinical findings in adult and paediatric burn victims

We aimed to compare the epidemiological data, general characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of burn patients with ≤18 and >18 years of age. By this way, we also aimed to determine the effective preventive measures appropriate for different age groups.

The data of 630 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with 2^nd or 3^rd degree burn injuries were retrospectively investigated. The patients were grouped into two regarding their ages as ≤18 (group 1) and >18 (group 2) years. Data of age, gender, cause of injury, location of injury, total burn area, length of hospital stay, laboratory data, and outcome of treatment were recorded.

We determined that although burn injury is more common in males compared with the females, male predominance is more commonly determined in older age group than children. Extremities are most commonly affected areas in both groups. In children, the most common etiological agent was hot beverages while in older age group electrical burns, and work accidents were more common (P < 0.001). Among children, patients younger than 3 years of age were compromising 62.4% of all cases. In adult group, total burned body surface area %, operation or intensive care unit requirement, hospitalization period, blood transfusion, or fresh frozen plasma requirement and the number of patients expired were all significantly higher compared with the children. Regarding the admission laboratory data, renal and liver function tests were significantly worse in older age group. However, neutrophile percentage was significantly higher in older group which may be a sign of augmented inflammatory response.

Especially clinicians and public health providers should be aware of the clinical findings and outcomes of burn victims in order to drive more effective preventive measures.