Abstract

Aim: In this study, it was aimed both to detect the number and distribution of burn injuries seen in children in and around Kahramanmaraş province and also to contribute to the national data.

Material and Methods: The medical records of total 5962 burn patients under 18 years old, who were treated as outpatients and inpatients in the Burn Unit affiliated with Department of Pediatric Surgery of Kahramanmaraş Necip Fazil City Hospital between the years 2003-2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Gender, and age of the patients, causes, depths, and surface areas of burns, lengths of hospital stay and mortality rates were evaluated. Burned body surface area was calculated by Lund-Browder method.

Results: The study population consisted of 3279 (55%) male and 2683 (45%) female patients with a mean age was 4,2 years (range, 3 months-14 years). Burns were caused by scalding (n=5178; 86.9%), contact with a hot object (stove, etc.) (n=717; 12%), flame (n=42; 0.7%), patients, electrical current (n=18; 0.3%), and corrosive chemical substances (n=7; 0.1%). Second, and third degree burns were detected in 5560 (93.3%), and 402 (6.7%) patients, respectively. Of these patients, 5375 (90.2%) were treated as outpatients and 587 (9.8%) as inpatients. While the mean burned body surface area was 8%, and 13% of the total body surface area of outpatients, and inpatients, respectively. The average lengths of hospital stay was 5 days (range, 3-14 days) for inpatients and no mortality was observed during the treatment of the patients.

Conclusion: Epidemiological studies are important in terms of determining the cause and the possible hazards that may cause burns. Prevention of burns should be a priority target, and improvement of socio-economic and socio-cultural levels of families must be planned in order to prevent burns. Also, it is necessary to increase the number of modern burn units in Turkey where necessary emergency care and treatment can be provided for patients with burns.