Mercier C, Blond M H
Unité d'anesthésie-réanimation pédiatrique, hôpital pédiatrique Clocheville, Tours, France.
Arch Pediatr. 1995 Oct;2(10):949-56. doi: 10.1016/0929-693x(96)89890-3.
To add to epidemiological data concerning serious accidents in the home in France.
This prospective study, carried out over 12 months, included all children with burns admitted to 14 burn units (BU) and 18 pediatric surgery units (PS) using a questionnaire from the SFETB comprising 20 items.
On population 0 to 60 months, 687 patients were included (434 in BU, 253 in PS). Descriptive analysis and correlation of several parameters identified patterns of burns in childhood and the factors of severity. Victim data: young boys (59.3%), aged < 36 months (mean = 24 months), burned at home, in the kitchen (62.4%) with hot fluids (73%), or bathroom (16.2%) with tap water by immersion. Flames were cause of burns (8.7%) by inflammable products. Lesions were always more severe in surface and risk of mortality was higher. Burns covered a surface equal or less than 10% in 57% of cases.
The value of the study was to be more aware of the dangers of which children are exposed and to encourage application of preventive measures.
