Epidemiology and treatment of paediatric burns in a large children’s hospital in Morocco: Analysis of 394 cases

Abstract

Introduction: Injury from burns represents 2% of emergency admissions in university hospitals in Morocco. Burn injuries can lead to substantial morbidity in the paediatric population including an impact on later life. Methods: A retrospective study of 394 paediatric burn patients was performed. Subjects were identified by review of the emergency centre logs and data were extracted from patient records. Data included demographic information, mechanism of burn, treatment prior to arrival at the hospital, hospital management and follow up condition. Results: The majority (65.7%, n = 259) of patients were between 1 and 4 years old with an average age of 4.26 years and male predominance (male:female = 2:1). Scalding was the main mechanism of injury (83.5%, N = 329). The trunk and upper limbs were the most commonly affected areas of the body (59% and 50%, respectively) with the face affected in 9.6% of cases. The total body surface area burned ranged from 1% to 10% in 86% of patients. Seventy-five patients (19%) required hospitalisation, 57 patients (14%) required skin grafting and 27 (6.9%) had major sequelae. Discussion: This large case series highlights the current epidemiology, management and outcome of paediatric burn victims in Morocco. Current burn management in low resources settings can be challenging and several additional measures should be taken to reduce morbidity among paediatric burn victims.

Keywords

• Burned child
• Physiopathology
• Epidemiology
• Treatment