Infant monitoring resulting in burns-tissue damage: literature review and case report

Abstract

Noninvasive infant monitoring occasionally results in burns and tissue damage. The medical literature now contains 14 isolated reports that were summarized for this review. All 14 victims were less than 24 months of age, and of these 14, two died by electrocution. Burns and tissue damage resulted from infant respiratory monitors (six), pulse oximeters (four), electrocardiographic monitors (two), an anal myoneural junction monitor (one), and a fetal scalp monitor (one). Infant extremities were injured most often (40%), and the trunk was burned somewhat less frequently (23%). Infants were burned in the hospital (57%) only slightly more often than at home (43%). Household burns involved only infant cardiorespiratory monitors. The most common mechanism of injury was the misapplication or improper connection of electrode lead wires (57%). A full one third of infants with burns required a reconstructive surgical procedure, usually a skin graft. Risk factors related to monitor-induced burns and tissue damage have been identified and presented. Injury prevention principles are also outlined.