Ten years epidemiological study of paediatric burns in Manipal, India

Three hundred and nine children of burns injuries treated over last 10 years (1989–1998) in Kasturba Hospital, Manipal (India) were studied retrospectively and were analysed for incidence, severity, extent, causes, risk factors and overall mortality. Children of age <5 years were affected more than children of age >5 years (76.1 vs. 23.9%). Females were affected more than males (74.1 vs. 25.9%). Most of the children received burn injuries in the range of 0 to 20% BSA (63.1%). Scald (72.5%) followed by flame (22.7%) and electrical burn (3.2%) were most common cause of burn injuries. Overall paediatric burn mortality was 7.4%.