Factors Associated with Mortality and Morbidity in Paediatric Burn Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh: A One-Year Prospective Study
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Abstract
Background: Burn injuries remain a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the majority of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries and significant disparities in outcomes persisting. The present study was undertaken to determine the factors associated with mortality and morbidity among paediatric burn patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh over a one-year period.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, 100-Bed Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to December 2024. A total of 200 paediatric patients (≤12 years) with acute thermal burns were enrolled by consecutive sampling after informed consent with predefined exclusions. Data on demographic, injury, clinical, and outcome variables were collected using a standardized form and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 with multivariable logistic regression (p < 0.05).
Results: Among 200 pediatric burn cases, scalds (68.5%) predominated. TBSA was 20–40% in 43.5% and >40% in 15.5%. Significant factors: inhalation injury (13.5%), delayed presentation (34.0%), rural residence (67.0%), and low income (57.0%). Major morbidities: skin grafting (47.1%) and infection (43.7%). Mortality linked to flame burns (26.5%), TBSA >40% (15.5%), and delay (34.0%). TBSA, injury type, and maternal education (48.0%) predicted morbidity.
Conclusion: Paediatric burn patients showed significant mortality and morbidity, mainly associated with burn severity, flame injury, delayed presentation, inhalation injury, and maternal education, underscoring the need for better prevention and early care.