Review of pediatric burn patients in critical care at a tertiary facility

Background/Aim: In Turkey, numerous individuals seek treatment every year for burn injuries due to socioeconomic conditions. This study aims to deliver insights into treatment strategies for pediatric burn patients in critical care settings in Turkey. Methods: We retrospectively examined the medical records of 50 children, aged 0 to 14 years, treated in the Burn Intensive Care Unit. We analyzed the year of admission, age, gender, burn percentage, initial hematocrit and platelet levels, duration of stay in the critical care unit, and total hospital stay. We further assessed their mechanical ventilation duration, need for inotropic support, initial and 24-hour APACHE II scores, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and mortality rates. Results: Children who succumbed had significantly higher GCSs, admission and 24-hour APACHE II scores, burn severity, and required mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. These factors were linked to mortality (P<0.01). Mortality showed no correlation with age, gender, hematocrit, platelet counts, critical care stay duration, or SOFA score. Conclusion: Factors such as burn severity, need for mechanical ventilation and inotropic support, GCSs, and APACHE II scores in pediatric burn patients in critical care may be associated with mortality and influence their prognosis.