Predictors of mortality in childhood burns: an 8-year review

J Child Health Care. 2014 Mar;18(1):84-95. doi: 10.1177/1367493512470575. Epub 2013 May 31.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and predictors of mortality from burn injuries in childhood patients admitted to our hospital during an eight-year period. The medical records of acute childhood burn patients were reviewed retrospectively. All variables thought to be associated with mortality were entered in a multiple binary logistic regression model (method = stepwise). The magnitude of risk was measured by the odds ratio, and the 95% confidence interval was estimated. A total of 2269 acute childhood burn patients were admitted during the study period. A total of 86 (3.8%) children died due to burn injuries. Deaths were seen 1.849 times more in males than in females. According to the 1%-10% total body surface area (TBSA) burned group, mortality occurred 121.116 times more in the >41% TBSA burned group. Most burn injuries can be avoided by keeping children away from hazardous and dangerous environments. Also, requiring a multidisciplinary management in these patients, quality of care services given by physicians and nurses certainly will create a positive impact on patients' outcomes.

Keywords: Burns; death; mortality; pediatric; trauma.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Distribution
  • Body Surface Area
  • Burns / epidemiology
  • Burns / mortality*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Turkey