Etiology, risk factors and clinical outcomes of pediatric burn injuries at King Narai Hospital
Keywords:
pediatric burn, burn, etiology, clinical outcomesAbstract
Burn injuries are a significant global public health problem, predominantly occurring in low- to middle-income countries, with children being the highest-risk group. These injuries impact patients and their families physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Additionally, they affect the growth, development, and quality of life of the patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the etiology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of pediatric burn injuries at King Narai Hospital. The sample group consisted of pediatric patients aged 0–15 years who were diagnosed with burn injuries and admitted to King Narai Hospital between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2023. There were 98 patients enrolled in the study. Data collection tools included a data recording form, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression analysis. The research findings showed that 54 patients (55.10%) were male, and 69 patients (70.40%) were aged 0–5 years. The main cause was scalding in 97 patients (98.98%). The severity level was moderate burn in 85 patients (86.73%), and the depth of the burn was superficial-partial thickness burn in 57 patients (58.16%). The most common injury location was the lower extremities, found in 64 patients (65.30%). The average percentage of total body surface area (% TBSA) was 14.01±11.31. The incidents predominantly occurred as household accidents in 97 patients (98.98%). A total of 84 patients (85.71%) underwent debridement surgery. The most common complication was hypovolemic shock, observed in 12 patients (12.24%). This was followed by burn wound infection in 6 patients (6.12%), with no fatalities reported in the study. The factors significantly associated with complications in pediatric burn injuries (p < 0.05) were patients aged 0–5 years, Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) greater than or equal to 20% and maternal age under 25 years. In conclusion, burn injuries in pediatric patients at King Narai Hospital were caused by household accidents, specifically scalds. Most injuries were moderate and superficial-partial thickness burns. The factors associated with complications in pediatric burn injuries were patients aged 0–5 years, TBSA greater than or equal to 20% and maternal age under 25 years.
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