Burned-and-battered adults.
The existence of a previously unrecognized group of patients, burned-and-battered adults, has been recognized. This retrospective review identifies some of the characteristics of the 41 burned-and-battered adults admitted to a burn center during a two-year period. The typical scenario was a domestic quarrel that included a male victim, a female assailant, and a scald injury involving the victims anterior trunk and upper extremity. The average burn size was 14% of the total body surface area. Four victims died as a result of their injuries. Although these victims represented only 10% of all patients admitted to the burn center, there may be many more undetected burned-and-battered adults. Only when the seriousness and magnitude of the problem are recognized can appropriate medical, legal, and social interventions be made to meet the needs of these burned patients.
Burn Center, Washington Hospital Center, DC.
M J
MJ
Krob
A
A
Johnson
M H
MH
Jordan
D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology*; D003415:Crime; D004219:District of Columbia; D005260:Female; D005391:Firesetting Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013179:Spouse Abuse