Burden of PBs and its association with socio-economic development status in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019

Burden of pediatric burn (PB) varies globally, attributable to a spectrum of countries, medical condition, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). We determined the trends and changes in the global burden of PB among children using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data.

Data were extracted from the GBD, offering an exhaustive overview of the age-standardized incidence, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), and mortality rates of PBs from 2009-2019. We assess the data of the PB burden across 204 nations and territories, as well as to investigate the interplay between the SDI and a spectrum of burn-related sequelae, encompassing amputations and inhalation injuries.

The age-standardized incidence, DALYs, and mortality rates for PBs were calculated at 135.25 (95 % UI: 205.27-89.44), 1.01 (95 % UI: 1.37-0.72), and 93.16 (95 % UI: 67.42-124.21), respectively. A slight predominance in the PB burden was observed among females relative to males. An inverse correlation between SDI and burn incidence was observed for SDI values below 0.4, which shifted to a positive correlation for mortality and DALY rates within the 0.4-0.6 range, followed by a plateau. Above an SDI of 0.4, a negative correlation with mortality and DALY was discerned. The highest global incidence was reported in Latin America, whereas Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) exhibited the highest mortality and DALY rates. Severe burns were linked to the most substantial burden, succeeded by inhalation injuries and amputations.

The PB burden, as indicated by age-standardized incidence, DALYs, and mortality rates, is modulated by SDI and gender, with pronounced disparities in epidemiological patterns between Oceania and Australasia, despite their similar socio-economic categorization. There is an imperative to intensify burn prevention strategies in middle- and high-income countries and to augment treatment capabilities in low- and middle-income nations. Emphasis on the management of severe burns is paramount for diminishing the overall PB burden, with a subsequent imperative to address inhalation injuries and amputations. Heightened vigilance in burn care and prevention is imperative, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Oceania, to ameliorate the impact of these injuries on vulnerable pediatric cohorts.