Pediatric Burns at the rift valley provincial general Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya

Abstract

Aim To determine the etiology and outcome of pediatric burns (0-12 years). Design A retrospective study of burn victims hospitalized at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya from April 2004 to March 2007 Method Charts of all children hospitalized for burn injury were reviewed for patient demographics, burn etiology, anatomical sites involved, extent of burn and outcome of treatment. Results The mean age was 2.6 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. 90.2% of the burns were due to scalds. The upper limbs and trunk were the most commonly affected. The mortality was 11.9% with flame burns resulting in a higher mortality than scalds. Conclusion The management of burns in the Nakuru region is challenging. The morbidity and associated mortality is high. Prevention of burn injuries should be advocated.