Burn injuries among children from a region-wide paediatric burns unit

Abstract

Burns are known to be a cause of the most severe childhood injuries. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate socio-demographic and other factors involved in children being presented to a burns unit for treatment. This is the first reported comprehensive audit of burns admissions highlighting factors that may relate to the occurrence of burns in children. Raw data was obtained from the data service unit (DSU) and the ward registers of a paediatric burns unit. Of 1249 admissions, 1156 cases (92.5%) had clearly specified causes. The number of annual admissions ranged from 225 to 281 with a mean of 250 ± 25 per year. Eighty-eight percent of burns were superficial and covered less than 10% of body surface area. The majority of cases were males (744 cases; 60%). The mean age of cases was 4 years ± 1.8 years. The major causes of burns were 'spill' (765 cases; 61%) and 'contact' (150 cases; 12%). The largest group was white British (787 cases; 63%) followed by Asian (353 cases; 28%). Mixed and African population groups made up the remaining 9%. The risk of burns injuries is higher among younger children, during the early evening, and is disproportionately high in the Asian/Asian British groups. It is suggested that there is a need to increase injury prevention towards those at greatest risk.