Profile of the pediatric burn patient at the Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel.

BACKGROUND

Burn trauma occurs mostly in young children. Burn injury in the pediatric age group has multiple-aspect sequelae.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the profile of the injured pediatric burn patient, thus targeting the most vulnerable pediatric group.

METHODS

Between 1 January and 31 December 1996, a total of 9,235 pediatric patients were admitted for various traumatic injuries (burns, lacerations, fractures, etc.) to the Emergency Medicine Department of Schneider Children's Medical Center. We conducted a retrospective study of the patients' charts, including demographic data, which were stored in a computerized database, for statistical evaluation. The characteristics of pediatric burn patients were examined and compared with other pediatric trauma patients.

RESULTS

Of the total patient population, 282 (3.1%) suffered from burns (37% females, 63% males). The most frequent burn injury was scald burn (58%). The pediatric group that was most exposed to burns was 13-18 month old males.

CONCLUSIONS

Having identified the high risk group among the pediatric burn patients, we suggest that prevention programs be directed towards this group in order to reduce further risk of burn injury.