Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Burn Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Canadian Tertiary Pediatric Hospital

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, Provincial Health Orders led to many families spending more time at home. This study aimed to describe changes in the incidence, mechanisms, and severity of burn injuries for children seen at a provincial pediatric burn center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute burns from 2019 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped by time of presentation: prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (March 11, 2019 to December 31, 2019), or during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 11, 2020 to December 31, 2020). Groups were compared by demographics, burn characteristics, management, and outcomes. Results Fewer patients with burns presented to the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic ( n = 117) versus prior ( n = 132); however, during the pandemic, the proportion of all ED visits that were burn related was significantly higher ( p = .003). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for injury time of day, mechanism, anatomical location, and burn depth. Burn management and time to healing were comparable, although 11% more patients had plastic surgery follow-up during the pandemic ( p = .041). Conclusion The epidemiology of pediatric burn injuries did not significantly change during the COVID-19 pandemic, and access to care remained consistent. The results of this study may have implications for hospital resource allocation planning in the event of similar provincial health orders.