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Childhood burns at the Paediatric Institute Kuala Lumpur
S B Ibrahim1, M B Omar, E C Gan
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala, Lumpur.
Insights
Most childhood burn injuries, primarily scalds in toddlers, occur at home and are preventable. Increased parental awareness campaigns are crucial to reduce these incidents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn injuries
- Public health and safety
- Injury prevention
Background:
- Burns are a significant cause of injury in children.
- Understanding the epidemiology of pediatric burns is essential for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes, demographics, and circumstances of burn injuries in a cohort of children.
- To identify key areas for intervention to prevent childhood burns.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Data collection on 94 burned children over a 22-month period (January 1993 - October 1994).
- Analysis of injury causes, age groups, and locations.
Main Results:
- Scalding was the leading cause of burns.
- Toddlers aged 1-3 years were the most affected group.
- 96% of injuries occurred in domestic settings.
- One fatality resulted from extensive flame burns (81% TBSA).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric burn injuries, particularly scalds, are largely preventable.
- Home environment poses the highest risk for burn injuries in young children.
- Urgent need for public awareness campaigns targeting parental education on burn hazards.
Abstract:
A prospective study of 94 burned children was carried out from January 1993 to October 1994. Scalding was the predominant cause of injury affecting mainly toddlers between 1 and 3 years old. Ninety-six per cent of the injuries occurred at home. There was 1 death following an 81% flame burns. An intense campaign to make parents aware of the hazards is required as almost all the injuries were preventable.