Characteristics of Burn-Injured Children in 117 U.S. PICUs (2009-2017): A Retrospective Virtual Pediatric Systems Database Study

Abstract

Objectives: To describe characteristics and outcomes of children with burn injury treated in U.S. PICUs.

Design: Retrospective study of admissions in the Virtual Pediatric Systems, LLC, database from 2009 to 2017.

Setting: One hundred and seventeen PICUs in the United States.

Patients: Patients less than 18 years old admitted with an active diagnosis of burn at admission.

Interventions: None.

Measurements and main results: A total of 2,056 patients were included. They were predominantly male (62.6%) and less than 6 years old (66.7%). Cutaneous burns were recorded in 92.1% of patients, mouth/pharynx burns in 5.8%, inhalation injury in 5.1%, and larynx/trachea/lung burns in 4.5%. Among those with an etiology recorded (n = 861), scald was most common (38.6%), particularly in children less than 2 years old (67.8%). Fire/flame burns were most common (46.6%) in children greater than or equal to 2 years. Multiple organ failure was present in 26.2% of patients. Most patients (89%) were at facilities without American Burn Association pediatric verification. PICU mortality occurred in 4.5% of patients. On multivariable analysis using Pediatric Index of Mortality 2, greater than or equal to 30% total body surface area burned was significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.16-13.51; p = 0.0003). When Pediatric Risk of Mortality III was used, greater than or equal to 30% total body surface area burned (odds ratio, 5.45; 95% CI, 1.95-15.26; p = 0.001) and inhalation injury (odds ratio, 5.39; 95% CI, 1.58-18.42; p = 0.007) were significantly associated with mortality. Among 366 survivors (18.6%) with Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category or Pediatric Overall Performance Category data, 190 (51.9%) had a greater than or equal to 1 point increase in Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category or Pediatric Overall Performance Category disability category and 80 (21.9%) had a new designation of moderate or severe disability, or persistent vegetative state.

Conclusions: Burn-injured patients in U.S. PICUs have a substantial burden of organ failure, morbidity, and mortality. Coordination among specialized facilities may be particularly important in this population, especially for those with higher % total body surface area burned or inhalation injury.