Obesity's Impact on Pediatric Scald Burns: How Much Weight Does It Carry?

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in the United States, yet its impact on wound healing and surgical outcomes in pediatric burn patients remains understudied. This study investigates the relationship between obesity and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with scald burns. A retrospective review of 389 pediatric patients (aged 1 month to 18 years) admitted to a regional burn center with ≥5% TBSA scald burns from 2015 to 2024 was conducted. Patients were categorized by weight-for-length (WFL) or body mass index (BMI) percentiles using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts. ANOVA and chi-square analyses found no significant differences in wound healing time across BMI or WFL categories. Similarly, no significant associations were observed between BMI/WFL groups and scar management or late grafting. However, a moderate relationship (p = 0.020) was identified between higher BMI and grafting during index admissions in older children. These findings suggest that obesity does not significantly impair wound healing but may influence surgical decisions in pediatric burn care. Further research is needed to explore these trends and guide tailored treatment protocols for obese pediatric patients.