Pediatric thermal injury: acute care and reconstruction update.
BACKGROUND
The acute and reconstructive care of each pediatric burn patient presents unique challenges to the plastic surgeon and the burn care team.


METHODS
: The purpose of this review article is to highlight the interdependence between the acute and reconstructive needs of pediatric burn patients as it pertains to each anatomical site. Relevant principles of acute pediatric burn care and burn reconstruction are outlined, based on the authors' experience and review of the literature.


RESULTS
The need for late reconstruction in pediatric burn survivors is significantly influenced by the acute surgical and rehabilitative treatments. With their vulnerability to airway swelling, hypothermia, pulmonary edema, and ischemia-reperfusion injury, pediatric patients with large burns require precise, life-saving treatment in the acute phase. Decision-making in pediatric burn reconstruction must take into account the patient's future growth, maturity, and often lack of suitable donor sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Appropriately selected reconstructive techniques are essential to optimize function, appearance, and quality of life in pediatric burn survivors.
Armour
Alexis D
AD
Cincinnati, Ohio From the Department of Medical Staff, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the Department of Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati.
Billmire
David A
DA
D001940:Breast / Q000293:injuries; D002056:Burns / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000503:physiopathology; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery