733 Pediatric Burns: A Single Institution Retrospective Review of Incidence, Etiology, and Outcomes in 685 Patients

Abstract Introduction Nearly 300 children die from burn injuries every year, and over 100,000 are admitted to a hospital or treated in an emergency department in the United States. Although largely preventable, burns remain a leading cause of morbidity in the pediatric population globally. This study assesses all pediatric burn admissions to a State Wide Certified Burn Treatment Center to evaluate trends in demographics, burn incidence, and cause across different age groups. Methods Demographic and clinical data were collected on all pediatric burn admissions during an 8 year period (2015-2022). These patients were stratified by age into "age 0 to 6," "age 7 to 12," and "age 13 to 18." Data were analyzed using standard statistical methodology. A state wide map was created allocating all patients into their respective zip codes to aid in targeting pediatric burn prevention programs. Results A total of 685 burn patients under age 18 were treated between 2015 and 2022. A total of 511 (74.6%) patients were ages 0 to 6, 89 (12.9%) were 7 to 12, and 85 (12.4%) were age 13 to 18. A total of 362 (52.8%) were male and 323 (47.2%) were female (male: female ratio of 1.12:1). Hispanics had the highest burn admissions across all age groups (35.8%), followed by African-Americans (23.6%). Caucasian teenagers formed the largest part (41%) of the teenage admissions. Mean TBSA burned was 8.9%, with torso being the most common site (68%). Scald burns constituted the majority of cases (83.4%, n = 571), with 70% attributable to hot liquids related to cooking, including coffee, tea or soup. In the 0-6 age group scald burns were the overwhelming cause (92.6%). In the teenage group, flame burns were the dominant cause (47.1%). Overall mean length of stay was 10.9 days for all patients. A total of 159 patients (23.2%) required an ICU admission. Seventeen patients (2.6 %) required a ventilator. Overall mortality was 0.4% (n = 3). Conclusions The majority of pediatric burn admissions were caused by scald burns, ages 0-6 were the most vulnerable in this regard. Flame burns predominated in the teenage population. Mean TBSA burned was 8.9% with the torso being the most likely to be involved. Mean length of stay was 11 days, 23% required ICU and 2.6% required a ventilator. Mortality was 0.4%. Applicability of Research to Practice The results of this study emphasize the need to target etiology specific burn prevention programs against scald burns in the very young (0-6yrs) and flame burns in the teenage population. Geographic depiction aids in highlighting the more vulnerable counties in our state.