Clinical and Epidemiological Profile, Mortality, and Associated Factors Among Paediatric Burn Patients in Western...

Background Paediatric burn injuries continue to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with outcomes influenced by the severity of the injury, systemic healthcare constraints, and socio-environmental risk factors. This study aimed to assess the clinico-epidemiological characteristics, mortality burden, and factors associated with mortality among paediatric burn patients treated in a tertiary care facility in Western Rajasthan, India. Materials and methods A prospective, longitudinal, hospital-based observational study was performed in the burn unit and the surgical wards of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jodhpur, from April 2025 to December 2025. A total of 100 paediatric burn patients aged 18 years or younger with acute burn injuries were included, excluding individuals with healed burns or pre-existing systemic comorbidities. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and microbiological data were documented utilising a structured case report form. Statistical analysis was conducted using MedCalc® Statistical Software version 22.0 (MedCalc Software Ltd., Ostend, Belgium); a p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed significant. Results Among 100 enrolled patients, 64% (64/100) were men, and 70% (70/100) were aged one to five years. Scald burns were predominant (64/100, 64%), with the head and neck being the most frequently affected areas (63/100, 63%). The mortality rate was 12% (12/100). Factors associated with mortality were total body surface area (TBSA) of >40% (odds ratio {OR}=9.60; p=0.001), haemoglobin of <9.5 g/dL at 48 hours (p<0.001), serum potassium of <3.4 mEq/L (p=0.044), Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation by day 6 (p=0.023), and hospital stay of less than five days (p=0.004). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a TBSA threshold of 30% as the factor with the highest discriminatory performance for mortality (area under the curve {AUC}=0.973). Conclusion Greater burn surface area, early anaemia, hypokalaemia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation were associated with mortality. Prioritising immediate fluid resuscitation, infection prophylaxis, electrolyte normalisation, and caregiver training is essential for enhancing outcomes in resource-constrained environments.