Characteristics of paediatric burns seen at a tertiary centre in a low income country: A five year (2004–2008) study

Abstract Background Children are the most risk prone in cases of burns. The previous epidemiologic study of paediatric burns in Lagos-Nigeria was carried four decades ago. A new study becomes necessary in view of the increasing incidences of petroleum related fire disasters in Nigeria. Patients and...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Burns Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 528 - 534
Main Authors:	Fadeyibi, I.O, Mustapha, I.A, Ibrahim, N.A, Faduyile, F.I, Faboya, M.O, Jewo, P.I, Ademiluyi, S.A
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2011 Elsevier
Subjects:	Adolescent Age Distribution Autopsy Biological and medical sciences Burns Burns - epidemiology Burns - etiology Burns - mortality Cause of Death Child Child, Preschool Critical Care Female General aspects Hospital Mortality Humans Infant Infant, Newborn Length of Stay Low income country Male Medical sciences Nigeria - epidemiology Paediatric burns Survival Analysis Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents Nigeria Portugal, Faro, Lagos Paediatric burns Low income country Human Burn Skin disease Characteristics Child
Online Access:	Get full text
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	Abstract Background Children are the most risk prone in cases of burns. The previous epidemiologic study of paediatric burns in Lagos-Nigeria was carried four decades ago. A new study becomes necessary in view of the increasing incidences of petroleum related fire disasters in Nigeria. Patients and methods : Children up to the age of 14 years admitted for major burns at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008 were studied. Information about the demographics, mechanism/circumstances of burns, associated injuries, surface extent (TBSA) and depth, modes of management and outcome, length of admission, and post mortem findings in cases of death were collected. Results : A total of 298 children with major burns were seen; 198 were males and 100 females. The ages ranged from 1 day to 14 years with mean of 4.56 ± 3.95 years. Forty percent of the cases occurred among the toddlers and 25.5% in the 2–5 years age group. Fire was the leading cause of burns, occurring in 198 (66.4%) cases. The TBSA ranged from 1% to 100% with mean of 29.67 ± 21.98. The mortality rate was 29.9%. Autopsy showed asphyxia as the primary cause of death in 14 (48.27%) cases, multiple organ dysfunctions in 27.59% and septicaemia in 13.79%. Conclusion This study identifies the main causes of paediatric burns and the major factors responsible for morbidity and mortality at the present time in a low income country. The level of awareness about burns prevention among the populace and health care facilities should be improved.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 ObjectType-Article-2 ObjectType-Feature-1
ISSN:	0305-4179 1879-1409
DOI:	10.1016/j.burns.2010.09.015