title: Characteristics of paediatric burns seen at a tertiary centre in a low income country: a five year (2004-2008) study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Children are the most risk prone in cases of burns. The previous epidemiologic study of paediatric burns in Lagos-Nigeria was carried four decades ago. A new study becomes necessary in view of the increasing incidences of petroleum related fire disasters in Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  : Children up to the age of 14 years admitted for major burns at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008 were studied. Information about the demographics, mechanism/circumstances of burns, associated injuries, surface extent (TBSA) and depth, modes of management and outcome, length of admission, and post mortem findings in cases of death were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  : A total of 298 children with major burns were seen; 198 were males and 100 females. The ages ranged from 1 day to 14 years with mean of 4.56 ± 3.95 years. Forty percent of the cases occurred among the toddlers and 25.5% in the 2-5 years age group. Fire was the leading cause of burns, occurring in 198 (66.4%) cases. The TBSA ranged from 1% to 100% with mean of 29.67 ± 21.98. The mortality rate was 29.9%. Autopsy showed asphyxia as the primary cause of death in 14 (48.27%) cases, multiple organ dysfunctions in 27.59% and septicaemia in 13.79%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study identifies the main causes of paediatric burns and the major factors responsible for morbidity and mortality at the present time in a low income country. The level of awareness about burns prevention among the populace and health care facilities should be improved.
authors.affiliation: Burns & Plastic Unit, Department of Surgery, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)/College of Medicine, Lagos State University (LASUCOM), Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria. idfad@yahoo.com
authors.forename: I O
authors.initials: IO
authors.lastname: Fadeyibi
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Mustapha
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.forename: F I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Faduyile
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Faboya
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Jewo
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ademiluyi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001344:Autopsy; D002056:Burns / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D016019:Survival Analysis