A review of thermal injuries in young children.

A group of 472 children under 3 yr of age were treated for thermal injuries in a 5-yr period; 65% were boys. Injuries were due mainly to scalding (82%) and involved predominantly the upper part of the body. Full thickness skin loss resulted in 30% of cases, and skin grafting was needed in 29%. Forty-two episodes of infection arose, and 50 patients (11%) developed other complications--hyperpyrexia, respiratory problems, fluid imbalance and convulsions were the commonest. The mortality rate was 1% (4 cases) and the mean duration of stay in hospital was 17 days. The plan of management is outlined with emphasis on the essential differences in treatment of young children, and the results are reported.