Characteristics of Burn-Injured Children in 117 U.S. PICUs (2009-2017): A Retrospective Virtual Pediatric Systems Database Study.

OBJECTIVES

To describe characteristics and outcomes of children with burn injury treated in U.S. PICUs.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of admissions in the Virtual Pediatric Systems, LLC, database from 2009 to 2017.

SETTING

One hundred and seventeen PICUs in the United States.

PATIENTS

Patients less than 18 years old admitted with an active diagnosis of burn at admission.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 2,056 patients were included. They were predominantly male (62.6%) and less than 6 years old (66.7%). Cutaneous burns were recorded in 92.1% of patients, mouth/pharynx burns in 5.8%, inhalation injury in 5.1%, and larynx/trachea/lung burns in 4.5%. Among those with an etiology recorded (n = 861), scald was most common (38.6%), particularly in children less than 2 years old (67.8%). Fire/flame burns were most common (46.6%) in children greater than or equal to 2 years. Multiple organ failure was present in 26.2% of patients. Most patients (89%) were at facilities without American Burn Association pediatric verification. PICU mortality occurred in 4.5% of patients. On multivariable analysis using Pediatric Index of Mortality 2, greater than or equal to 30% total body surface area burned was significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.16-13.51; p = 0.0003). When Pediatric Risk of Mortality III was used, greater than or equal to 30% total body surface area burned (odds ratio, 5.45; 95% CI, 1.95-15.26; p = 0.001) and inhalation injury (odds ratio, 5.39; 95% CI, 1.58-18.42; p = 0.007) were significantly associated with mortality. Among 366 survivors (18.6%) with Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category or Pediatric Overall Performance Category data, 190 (51.9%) had a greater than or equal to 1 point increase in Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category or Pediatric Overall Performance Category disability category and 80 (21.9%) had a new designation of moderate or severe disability, or persistent vegetative state.

CONCLUSIONS

Burn-injured patients in U.S. PICUs have a substantial burden of organ failure, morbidity, and mortality. Coordination among specialized facilities may be particularly important in this population, especially for those with higher % total body surface area burned or inhalation injury.