Clinical characteristics of burns in hospitalized children and adolescents: A multicenter retrospective study

Background: Burns in children represent a significant public health issue due to their high frequency and potential for severe physical and psychological consequences. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of burns in hospitalized children and adolescents in the Republic of Srpska between 2018 and 2020. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted, collecting data from the national e-base of the Agency for Certification, Accreditation and Quality Improvement of Health Care of the Republic of Srpska for patients aged ≤19 years hospitalized for burns. ICD-10 codes were used to identify burns, from which demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted. Results: A total of 70 patients were identified, with a median age of 1 year [interquartile range (IQR3): 1-4 years]. The majority were children aged 0 to 9 years (84.3%), and 67.1% were boys. Most burns occurred during winter (34.3%), and the median hospital LOS was 6.5 days (IQR: 5-9 days). Scalds from hot liquids were the most common type (84.3%), primarily affecting the lower extremities (31.4%) and head and neck (25.7%). Statistically significant differences were observed in the causes of burns, affected anatomical regions, and age groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The burned body surface area ranged from less than 10% to 29% TBSA, with 61.4% having less than 10%, and no significant differences based on age, gender, or cause of hospitalization (<i>p </i>> 0.05). Conclusion: Burns from hot liquids and contact burns are the main causes of injuries in hospitalized children aged 1 to 4 years in the Republic of Srpska, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.