CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF POST-BURN SEQUELAE IN CHILDREN AT THE NATIONAL BURN HOSPITAL LE HUU TRAC IN 2024
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Abstract
Objective: To describe clinical characteristics and evaluate surgical outcomes of burns and post-burn sequelae in children at the National Burn Hospital Le Huu Trac in 2024.
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective descriptive study was conducted. The unit of analysis was treatment/surgical episode. A total of 108 eligible episodes in patients under 18 years of age with burns or post-burn sequelae who underwent surgery at the National Burn Hospital Le Huu Trac in 2024 were included.
Results: Mean age was 6.9 ± 4.9 years; children under 6 years accounted for 54.6%; males comprised 61.1%. Scalds were the most common cause (51.9%). Median time from burn to treatment was 30.0 months; 41.7% were treated more than 36 months after injury. Burn scar contracture was the most frequent sequela (77.8%), predominantly affecting the hand and fingers (69.4%). Full-thickness skin grafting was the main technique (66.7%); release of contracture to restore range of motion was the primary objective (82.4%). Complete graft/flap survival was achieved in 85.2%; no early complications were recorded in 91.7%. Overall outcomes at discharge: good 81.5%, fair 14.8%, moderate 3.7%; no poor outcomes. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 10.2 ± 4.1 days.
Conclusion: Scald burns in young children are the predominant injury pattern. Post-burn contracture scar of the hand and fingers is the most common sequela and is often treated late. Surgery achieved high rates of good outcomes with low complication rates, confirming the effectiveness of the current treatment protocol.
Keywords
pediatric burns, burn sequelae, scar contracture, skin grafting, local flaps
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References
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