Epidemiology of childhood thermal injuries in Enugu, Nigeria

The results of a retrospective study of thermal injuries among 644 Nigerian children in Enugu, over a 6-year period, were analysed. Children in the first and second years of life were mostly at risk and there was a distinct seasonal incidence. Most burns occurred in January, April, July, August and December. Socioeconomic factors played a significant role in the aetiogenesis of these injuries. A mortality rate of 9.87 per cent was achieved in burns over 10 per cent of total body surface area (TBSA), despite considerable physical and financial constraints in the unit.