Genital and perineal burns in children: 10 years of experience at a major burn center.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report is to review a decade of experience in the management of perineal and genital burns at a major burn center.


METHODS
Seventy-eight children who sustained perineal or genital burns admitted to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Galveston are discussed.


RESULTS
Genital and perineal burns occurred in the context of major burns and were rarely isolated. A total of 64.1% were caused by hot liquids (scalds), 29.5% were flame burns, 3.8% contact burns, and 2.6% electrical burns. A total of 61% of the burns could be treated conservatively with loose debridement, topical, and parenteral antibiotics with satisfactory outcomes. Foley catheterization did not increase the morbidity in these patients except in children less than 1 year of age. Testicular involvement was associated with the most severe burns. Child abuse was found in 46% and 48% of boys and girls, respectively, younger than 2 years that had sustained scald burns to the perineum and, or genitals.


CONCLUSIONS
Most perineal and genital burns in children can be treated successfully with a conservative approach. Child abuse should be vigorously investigated.
Angel
Carlos
C
Division of Urology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
Shu
Tung
T
French
Dan
D
Orihuela
Eduardo
E
Lukefahr
James
J
Herndon
David N
DN
D002056:Burns / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies