Pediatric Craniofacial and Neck Burns.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the epidemiological features, risk factors, current management trends and prognosis associated with injury severity in paediatric craniofacial and neck burn injuries. In the study conducted between January 2016 and January 2022, the data of 204 paediatric patients with head and neck burns hospitalised in Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital Burn Centre were scanned from medical records in a hospital computer. Of the total 204 patients, 114 (55.9%) were boys and 90 (44.1%) were girls. The age group most affected by burn trauma was the 1-4 age group at 55.4%. Scald burns were the most common cause in all age groups. Electrical, chemical and sunburns were rare causes. Among the patients, 97 (47.5%) developed acute conjunctivitis due to burns. Among the patients, 91 (44.6%) lived in rural areas and 113 (55.4%) in urban areas. The wound culture results of the patients were 24% positive, and the most common bacteria were Staphylococcus hominis (5.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (4.9%). During follow-up, neck contracture developed in six (2.94%) patients with neck burns. Four (1.96%) patients died because of sepsis. The mean hospital stay was 5.49 ± 4.14 days. Craniofacial and neck burns in the paediatric population are complex and leave sequelae after burns, often requiring advanced care. Children are at risk for injury by liquid, kitchen and chemical products, which serve as common caustic injury mechanisms.