["Moist burn ointment" brought about multiple systemic complications in children with burns]

From January 1990 to December 1992, twenty-one burned children, who were treated with "Moist burn ointment", were transferred to our hospital after the occurrence of invasive infection, multiple systemic complications or electrolyte disorder. The age ranged from 1 to 5 years. The total burn area ranged 5-30 per cent (mean 16.0 +/- 5.8 per cent) of the body surface area. All patients exhibited complications of two or more systems and electrolytic disorder when they were admitted. Of the 21 patients, 4 died. We believed that the severe infection of burn wounds, resulted from the application of "Moist burn ointment" was the main factor of causing multiple organ damage. Therefore, it is suggested that the "Moist burn ointment" should be used with great caution.