ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Contrary to our local experience, published data elsewhere show increased survival rates from major burns due to improvements in management. This study aimed at examining problems of burns management in children. DESIGN: Relevant data extracted from the records of 44 children included sociodemographic, clinical, management characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: There were 86.0% thermal burns due to accidental, domiciliary events in 36 (81.8%. Mean (range) BSA was 35.9% +/- 4.0 (1%-95%), mostly 2nd degree burns in 34 (77.3%). Mean (range) duration of symptoms before presentation was 1.1 +/- 0.3 days (1-7 days). Following hospitalisation, involvement of key experts in acute burns care was either delayed or omitted. Intensive care monitoring and support including mechanical ventilation were unavailable for 11 (25.0%) cases with cardiorespiratory compromise. Septicaemia & pneumonias were associated with death in 9 (56.3%) of the 16 deaths. Klebsiella, pseudomonas and coliform organisms were isolated from most burns wound. Oral acetominophen and intramuscular dipyrone were the main analgesics used in 24 (54.6%) and 8 (18.2%) cases respectively. Anxiolytics were used in only 2 94.5%). Case fatality rate was 36.4%. Mortalities were 100% with BSA 50-100% (p=0. 000). CONCLUSION: Prevention and improvements in management of burns including early multidisciplinary care, critical care support, aggressive wound care and adequate pain control should be emphasised.
