Thermal Injuries in Children: A Literature-Based Overview
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2024.66.011Keywords
child, burns, emergencies, emergency treatmentAbstract
Burns are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. While the majority of pediatric burns are not life-threatening, they can have a significant impact on a child's physical and psychological health. They pose a major social and financial burden, particularly in developing countries. The management of pediatric patients with thermal injuries requires a complex and multifaceted approach.
Pediatric burns constitute approximately 40-50% of all reported cases of severe burns. The most common etiologies of pediatric burns include scalds, contact burns, flames, and chemicals. From 80% to 90% of burns occurred at home and were accidental. Despite advancements in treatment, severe burns can lead to life-threatening complications, such as sepsis, multisystem organ failure, and hypermetabolic response or even death.
This article aims to provide a literature-based overview of pediatric burn trauma, outlining its unique characteristics, etiology, epidemiology, classification, and initial management.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Natalia Wierzejska, Aneta Michalczewska, Agnieszka Fugas, Magdalena Pach, Agnieszka Nowak, Zuzanna Chmielowiec, Alicja Partyka, Mariola Dziedzic, Karolina Smykiewicz, Justyna Dobrzańska
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