Non-accidental Burns Research Articles

Burns as a Manifestation of Child Abuse and Neglect

A multidisciplinary child abuse team investigated children with burns admitted to a general hospital in Tulsa, Okla. Of the 26 burn cases investigated, 14 were found to be accidental, seven accidental with extreme degrees of neglect, and five nonaccidental burns. There are correlations between physical findings and social characteristics, which may aid in the identification and disposition of children with burns. A multiplicity of injuries suggests that nonaccidental burns are not spontaneous abuse, but a planned form of aggression. The high mortality of the abused group indicates the seriousness and severity of nonaccidental injuries. This experience has also shown that nonaccidental burns in children demand a thorough investigation of medical, social, and emotional factors.

Inflicted Burns in Children

Inflicted burns are an essential part of the battered child syndrome. One hundred forty-two nonaccidental burns (16%) were found in 872 children admitted to the burn center at the Children's Hospital of Michigan during the six-year period (1972 to 1977). Of the 1,518 cases of child abuse treated during this period, 9% were caused by intentional burns. Family instability and an inability to deal with stress in crisis were important factors in the cause of these injuries.

Inflicted burns in children. Recognition and treatment

Inflicted burns are an essential part of the battered child syndrome. One hundred forty-two nonaccidental burns (16%) were found in 872 children admitted to the burn center at the Children's Hospital of Michigan during the six-year period (1972 to 1977). Of the 1,518 cases of child abuse treated during this period, 9% were caused by intentional burns. Family instability and an inability to deal with stress in crisis were important factors in the cause of these injuries. (<i>JAMA</i>242:517-520, 1979)