PROFILE OF AN ABUSED BURNED CHILD

It is well recognized that child abuse is a common mechanism of injury to burned children. A profile of an abused burn child was constructed by analyzing 321 consecutive pediatric admissions to our burn center during a 24-month period starting in April 1993. Variables collected f or analysis were age, race, insurance status, family structure, burn s ize, type, whether child abuse reports were filed, and the results of those reports. Of the 321 admissions, 93 were reported for abuse or ne glect. From the 93 reported cases, 26 were taken into temporary custod y, 56 were indicated for abuse, but returned to the home, and 14 were ''unfounded'' cases. Our analysis indicated burned children aged 3 yea rs and under, from single-parent, impoverished homes, admitted with a scald or thermal-contact burn are at highest risk for abuse or neglect and warrant careful assessment.