Epidemiology of Pediatric Burn Injuries in Isfahan, Iran

BACKGROUND: Burns are major cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in the developing countries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and causes of burns in children under the age of 15 years in Isfahan province, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All children admitted to the burn center of Isfahan, the largest city in central Iran, between 2007 and 2009 were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the data on age, sex, location, cause and spread of the burn, duration of admission, and cause of mortality. RESULTS: Out of 2229 burn patients, 1014 (45.5%) were under the age of 15, indicating an annual incidence of 50 in 100,000 children. Of the 1014 patients, 610 (60%) were boys and 404 (40%) were girls; the male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. Most of the patients were in the age range of 3 to 6 years. Scald was the most common type of burn injury (51.8%). Six-hundred and sixty-eight cases (65.7%) were from urban areas, while 346 (34.3%) were from rural areas. Fifty-six patients (5.5%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Burn injury is a major health concern in the pediatric age group, and specific consideration and planning are required for its management.