What Changes Have Occurred in the Pattern of Paediatric Burns in the Last Years with Special Attention to the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Area of Science:

• Global child health
• Injury prevention and control
• Burn medicine

Background:

• Paediatric burns represent a significant global health burden, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years.
• Children's unique developmental, physical, and emotional characteristics present distinct challenges in burn management.
• Vulnerability is heightened in low- and middle-income settings due to factors like overcrowding and domestic hazards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent global trends in paediatric burn aetiology over the past decade.
• To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric burn injury patterns.
• To examine changes in epidemiological characteristics, burn severity, management, and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of global paediatric burn data.
• Analysis of burn aetiology, epidemiological factors, and injury characteristics.
• Evaluation of trends in first aid, location of injury, management strategies, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Recent global trends in paediatric burn aetiology are examined, highlighting shifts over the last ten years.
• The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric injury patterns and burn presentations is assessed.
• Changes in epidemiological characteristics, burn site, severity, extent, first aid, location, management, and outcomes are investigated.

Conclusions:

• Paediatric burns remain a critical global health concern requiring tailored prevention and management strategies.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrably altered the landscape of paediatric burn injuries, necessitating updated public health responses.
• Continued research into burn trends and outcomes is essential for mitigating the impact of childhood burns worldwide.