Epidemiology of childhood burns in children referred to Velayat Burn University Hospital of Rasht during 2008-9

Pediatric burn injuries are common and often lead to devastating consequences. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of childhood burns in children referred to Velayat Burn University Hospital of Rasht during 2008-9. In this descriptive study the clinical data of all burned children including age, sex, burn percentage, burning agents, site of burn, transport vehicle, length of admission and consequences of burn, aged 0-14 years were collected prospectively. The burned children were treated either as inpatient (N=138) or outpatient (N=275). Thirty-three per cent of inpatients and 35% of outpatients were under two years of age. Of all the burned children, 53% were male, 76.2% from the urban areas, 72% were scalded, 93% happened at home, 75% had less than 6% burn and 23% of children had burns of trunk. Second degree burn was the most common type (79%). Seven deaths were recorded with forth-degree burns and burning surface more than 40%. Children under two years of age are at highest risk of burn and most commonly with hot water (scalding) in preparing and serving meal times. Sequelae of burn are dependent to its severity and surface area.