Annals of burns and fire disasters
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Ann Burns Fire Disasters · Sep 2010
Upper egypt experience in management of paediatric burn: the last six years.
Childhood burns in Egypt are a significant problem, especially in families of low socioeconomic status. These families live in overcrowded flats using kerosene stoves but lacking proper hygiene and adequate safety measures. Over the 6-yr period 2004-2009 a total number of 1999 burned children (1440 children treated as out-patients with less than 10% total body surface area [TBSA] burned plus 559 with more than 10% TBSA burns treated as in-patients) presented to the burn unit of Assiut University Hospital. ⋯ The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological features of burn accidents as the basis for a prophylactic programme to protect young children from scalds and older children from the hazards of fire games and child labour. The study covered the incidence, cause, place, and time of the burns. Demographic aspects, burn severity, socioeconomic factors, and mortality rate were also included in this study of burned children in Upper Egypt aged 0-16 yr in the 6-yr period 2004-09.
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Burn injuries continue to be a major source of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries of the world, of which Nigeria is a part. Overview data on burn care in Nigeria are sparse but the available literature on burns and burn care in Nigeria was retrieved through Internet-based search engines, collated, and reviewed. Peculiarities of epidemiology, types of burn, pattern of injuries, complications, and outcome of burn care were reviewed. ⋯ Avoidable complications are common and mortality remains high. Pooling of resources by regionalization of care could increase focus on burn prevention and improve the care of burn victims. Nongovernmental and governmental support to reduce the burden of burns is advocated.
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Burn injuries in childhood can be traumatic with lasting effects until adulthood. This article reviews the various psychological issues one confronts when treating paediatric patients with burn injuries. A wide range of factors influence recovery and rehabilitation from paediatric burns. ⋯ The entire family and the burned child have to show good coping skills if recovery from paediatric burn injuries is to be possible. It is very important that paediatric burn units realize the need for a child psychiatrist and psychotherapist in their rehabilitation team. Good psychotherapy along with burns-related treatment will go a long way to enhance the quality of life of these patients.
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Nerium Oleander is a shrub that grows naturally in the Mediterranean regions. In Morocco it is found in wet places. ⋯ We report two cases of chemical burns of different gravity due to Nerium Oleander. This should lead to more widely diffused information for the general population and strict regulation of its marketing.
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The aim of the study was to investigate the factors affecting the outcome of treatment of burns patients admitted to the Burns Intensive Care Unit (BICU) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. Information on patients admitted to the BICU from February 2001 to January 2006 was recorded. Parameters recorded included: admission record and demographics, causes of the injury, burned surface area, laboratory investigations, treatment regime, and record of discharge/death. ⋯ The majority (n = 563, 68%) of the patients stayed for less than 10 days after admission. The mortality rate fell over the years, decreasing drastically between 2001 (20.4%) and 2002 (8.6%) and remaining at single digit level in 2003 (7.6%), 2004 (7.9%), and 2005 (7.4 %). The factors affecting the mortality trends were proper case management, increases in the number of professional medical personnel, and their greater dedication.