Profile of an abused burned child.

It is well recognized that child abuse is a common mechanism of injury to burned children. A profile of an abused burn child was constructed by analyzing 321 consecutive pediatric admissions to our burn center during a 24-month period starting in April 1993. Variables collected for analysis were age, race, insurance status, family structure, burn size, type, whether child abuse reports were filed, and the results of those reports. Of the 321 admissions, 93 were reported for abuse or neglect. From the 93 reported cases, 26 were taken into temporary custody, 56 were indicated for abuse, but returned to the home, and 14 were "unfounded" cases. Our analysis indicated burned children aged 3 years and under, from single-parent, impoverished homes, admitted with a scald or thermal-contact burn are at highest risk for abuse or neglect and warrant careful assessment.