Profile of the pediatric burn patient at the Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel

Background: Burn trauma occurs mostly in young children. Burn injury in the pediatric age group has multiple-aspect sequelae. Objectives: To characterize the profile of the injured pediatric burn patie nt, thus targeting the most vulnerable pediatric group. Methods: Between 1 January and 31 December 1996, a total of 9,235 pediatric patients were admitted for various traumatic injuries (burns, lacerations, fractures, etc.) to the Emergency Medicine Department of Schneider Childre n's Medical Center. We conducted a retrospective Study of the patients' cha rts, including demographic data, which were stored in a computerized databa se, for statistical evaluation. The characteristics of pediatric burn patie nts were examined and compared with other pediatric trauma patients. Results: Of the total patient population, 282 (3.1%) Suffered from burns (3 7% females, 63% males). The most frequent burn injury was scald burn (58%). The pediatric group that was most exposed to burns was 13-18 month old mal es. Conclusions: Having identified the high risk group among the pediatric burn patients, we suggest that prevention programs be directed towards this gro up in order to reduce further risk of burn injury.