Prevention of Contractures in the Treatment of Severe Burns in Children

Original article

Danijela Đerić, Aleksandar Marinković, Strahinja Konstantinović

105–110

https://doi.org/10.5937/medrec2304105D

Abstract

Burns represent the most severe  and one of the most frequent injuries in the pediatric population. Treatment of burns involves complete epithelization of the burned region, rehabilitation of patients and prevention of post-operative and post-burn complications.

The aim of this work was to show the characteristics of burns, their frequency, percentage representation in relation to the depth of the burn, the frequency of occurrence of post-burn contractures in children and to point out possible measures to prevent them.

This retrospective study included a total of 167 children. The distribution of burned children according to age, etiological factors of burns, degree of burns, type of treatment, and frequency of contractures were analyzed.

There were 105 boys (63%) and 62 girls (37%). The majority of burns occurred in the age group of 2 to 5 years, with a total of 96 (57%), more significant compared to children under one year of age, 31 (19%) and children older than 5 years, 40 (24%). The highest percentage of burns was caused by hot liquids in 133 children (80%). There were a total of 102 second degree burns (61.07%), and 65 third degree burns (38.92%). Keloid scars, with consequent contractures, were verified in IIB and III degree burns in a total of 23 children (13.77%), namely in 15 (65.2%) children with III degree burns and in 8 (34.8%) children with IIB degree burns.

The largest number of burns are caused by hot liquids. Very often they can be the result of child abuse or neglect. The correct choice of treatment and prevention measures can reduce complications. The importance of preventing them and the importance of social support and work, both for children and parents of burned children, is very important.

Key words: burns, children, prevention, contractures

Ful text 

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