Clinical outcomes of pediatric burn injuries: A Single Center Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Burn is the leading cause of mortality and disability adjusted life years worldwide, where majority occur in low- and middle- income countries. Children under five years are particularly susceptible due to household accidents. Despite the establishment of a global burn registry, there are significant discrepancies in reported data of burn. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of pediatric burn injuries, assess the frequency of healing and its correlation with demographic and clinical variables.

Methodology: It is an observational, descriptive, longitudinal study, conducted in Allied Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Faisalabad from September 2025 to December 2025. Data was collected prospectively via specialized proforma, and statistical analysis was done using SPSS 25.

Results: One hundred and four patients reported with male predominance (54.8%). Mean age of presentation was 4.16 years with standard deviation of 3.01 years (range two months to 12 years). Majority lie under five years of age (74.5%). Scald burn was the most common etiology (80.8%). Mean total body surface area (TBSA%) was 16.13%. Out of 104 patients, 74 patients (71.1%) achieved healing successfully. 53.8%(n=56) healed conservatively while 17.3%(n=18) needed surgical intervention. Mechanism of burn demonstrated significant correlation with healing pattern as scald burn had greater propensity of healing conservatively (82.2%) while majority of flame (57.2%) and electric burn (75%) required surgical intervention for healing.

Conclusion: Majority of burns happen due to scald incidents. However; it has shown greater healing potential and better overall outcomes as compared to other types of burn. Early assessment and diagnosis of mechanism and severity of burn can help in timely decision-making regarding better suited treatment options which is essential to improve healing outcomes in pediatric burn.