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Changing patterns in the causes of scalds in young Dutch children
1Burn Unit, Roman Catholic Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Pediatric burn causes were studied from 1972-1985. Hot fluid burns from coffee and tea decreased, likely due to electric coffee machines, despite increased consumption.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn research
- Public health trends
- Injury prevention
Background:
- Hot fluid burns are a significant cause of injury in young children.
- Understanding burn etiology is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the changing causes of burns in pediatric patients treated between 1972 and 1985.
- To identify trends in burn injuries related to beverages like coffee and tea.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of inpatient and outpatient burn cases.
- Data collected from a dedicated burn center and a university hospital.
Main Results:
- Hot fluid burns, primarily from coffee and tea, were common in children aged 0-5 years.
- A notable decrease in coffee scalds was observed over the study period.
- This decrease occurred despite an overall increase in coffee and tea consumption.
Conclusions:
- The widespread adoption of electric coffee machines may have contributed to the reduction in coffee-related burns.
- Evolving household technologies can significantly impact pediatric burn injury patterns.
- Continued monitoring of burn causes is essential for effective public health interventions.
Abstract:
The causes of burns in children who were treated as inpatients and outpatients were examined at a burn centre and a university hospital during the period 1972-85. In particular young children, from 0-5 years, were the victims of hot fluid burns caused mainly by coffee and tea. Over the years a change has taken place in the pattern of causes in spite of an increase in the consumption of tea and coffee. The number of coffee scalds has decreased markedly, probably as a result of the increasing use of electric coffee machines.