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Epidemiology and Management of Pediatric Head and Neck Burns: An Institutional Review
Tyler K Merceron1, Rachael Y Williams2,3,4, Walter L Ingram2,3
1Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
Pediatric head and neck burns (HNBs) are most common in young males due to scalds or flames. Fortunately, most pediatric HNB cases can be managed nonoperatively with good outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn care
- Head and neck reconstruction
- Trauma surgery
Background:
- Pediatric head and neck burns (HNBs) present unique challenges.
- Potential for long-term disfigurement, functional impairment, and psychosocial issues.
- Specialized attention is crucial for pediatric HNB management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric HNBs.
- To identify common causes and demographic factors.
- To evaluate management strategies and long-term sequelae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients (<18 years) with HNBs.
- Data collected from 2009-2017 at Grady Memorial Hospital.
- Analysis of demographics, burn details, treatment, and hospital course.
Main Results:
- 272 pediatric patients included; 65.4% male, mean age 63.2 months.
- Scalding liquids (70.2%) and flames (23.9%) were primary causes.
- Average head/neck burn size was 3.0%; 9.2% required acute surgery, 1.8% needed secondary surgery.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric HNBs predominantly affect males under 6 years.
- Scalding liquids and open flames are the main etiologies.
- Nonoperative management is often successful, minimizing long-term complications.
Background:
Pediatric head and neck burns (HNBs) require special attention due to the potential for long-term disfigurement, functional impairment, and psychosocial stigma.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective review of patients <18 years old admitted to Grady Memorial Hospital with a diagnosis of HNB from 2009-2017. Demographic data, burn characteristics, management, and hospital course were analyzed.
Results:
Of the 272 patients included, 65.4% were male with a mean age of 63.2 months. Burn mechanism was primarily secondary to scalding liquids (70.2%) or flames (23.9%). The average total body surface area involved was 10.3%, and 3.0% for the head/neck. Average length of stay was 5.2 days and overall mortality was 1.1%. Twenty-five patients (9.2%) required surgery in the acute setting, and 5 (1.8%) required secondary surgery for hypertrophic scarring or contracture.
Discussion:
Pediatric HNBs occur most commonly in males <6 years old secondary to scalding liquids or open flames. Most patients can be managed nonoperatively without long-term sequelae.
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