Burn injury in infants and young children

Abstract

Scalding, most often self-precipitated, is the most common cause of burn injuries in children. Flame burns are much less common but are more severe and have a higher mortality than do scalds. Most burns in this age group are small, but affect areas functionally and cosmetically sensitive to burn injury. Abused infants and toddlers have a much higher mortality than do unabused children. Younger children have a higher mortality after serious burns than do older children. Common infections include otitis media, viral gastroenteritis and viral infections of the upper part of the respiratory tract, many of which are established prior to injury. Hyperthermia and leukocytosis are common and may be misleading as indicators of infection. Fluid needs are greater than predicted by the Parkland formula. Hypertension is uncommon and resolves spontaneously.