The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Fluid resuscitation after thermal injury in a child or infant can pose a set of unique and significant challenges. Many approaches to fluid resuscitation of children after burns exist, and most are nonevidence based. This review will highlight the important concepts involved in pediatric fluid resuscitation from thermal injury.
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Pediatric patients account for approximately one third of all burn patients in the United States, with upper extremity or hand involvement in most admitted burn patients. Specialized management and care of pediatric burn patients optimizes functional outcomes. ⋯ Acute and long-term care aspects of pediatric upper extremity and hand burns require unique considerations. Diagnosis, treatment, and management of upper extremity and hand burns are discussed in detail with respect to the pediatric population.
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Lower-extremity burns in a pediatric patient require special consideration. The management of burn reconstruction in pediatric patients is often complex, requiring multiple reconstructive operations, and the primary intention of the surgeon is to prevent burn scar deformities. ⋯ In addition, we address methods of repairing scar contracture, a common occurrence in burn patients, at specific locations on the lower extremity. Finally, special scenarios such as burns associated with fractures, burn injury in insensate children, and Marjolin ulcer are discussed.
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Sustaining a burn injury sets in motion a cycle of pain, disfigurement, and a search for survival. In pediatric burns, the injury extends to the parents where fear, ignorance, and helplessness forever change their lives. Pediatric burn injuries are caused by fire, hot liquids, clothing irons, hair curlers, caustic substances like drain cleaner, the grounding of an electrical source, and exposure to radiation. ⋯ There is a paucity of evidentiary pediatric burn economic data. More research is needed to address areas of pediatric burn care inefficiency. Improving knowledge of cost in all health care endeavors will create competition and drive down expenditures.
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Burns are common injuries in the pediatric population, with an estimated 250,000 pediatric burn patients seeking medical care annually. A relative few require inpatient management. This article discusses suggestions for burn prevention, as well as acute burn care and long-term management of small burns.