Twelve years epidemiological study of paediatric burns in Ain Shams University, Burn Unit, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Burns represent an extremely stressful experience and constitute a major concern in the paediatric age group with respect to morbidity and mortality. Although burns are common in children, most of these happen at home and are largely preventable [1]. Currently complications and mortality rates of burns in children are high, especially in developing countries due to a lack of basic knowledge in the population, lack of an appropriate treatment methods and lack of modern technology [2]. As in other developing countries, childhood burns in Egypt are still a significant problem. In Cairo, being one of the most populated cities in the world, socioeconomic factors play a significant role as a cause for burn injuries among children [3]. Prevention of these injuries has to be a priority, but the responsibility of developing and implementing preventive programs involves many groups [1]. Epidemiological studies on paediatric burns provide vital information for developing strategies aimed at reducing the frequency of burns [2] and improving the quality of the treatment provided. This is a retrospective review of all acute paediatric burn patients (up to the age of 15 years) treated in our burn unit over a 12 years period between January 1996 and December 2007. Data regarding the etiology, age distribution, gender ratio, place of burn, type and severity of burns, anatomical regions involved and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Also details of treatment, first aid and initial management (in referred patients) and mortality rate were recorded. a r t i c l e i n f o