Citation

Rosenberg NM, Marino D. Pediatr. Emerg. Care 1989; 5(4): 219-221.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2602192

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the frequency of suspected abuse/neglect in pediatric patients with burns presenting to an emergency department. Criteria were established for the suspicion of abuse/neglect. During a 12-month period, 431 patients were evaluated. Eighty-four (19.5%) were suspected of being abused or neglected. The frequency of suspected abuse/neglect in single-parent families was 22%, compared to 10% for married couples (P = 0.027). There was no significant difference in the rate of suspected abuse/neglect in patients seen fewer than or more than 24 hours after the injury occurred. Seventy-five children (17%) had more than two burn sites, with 24 (32%) appearing to be a result of abuse/neglect (P = 0.01). One hundred twenty-eight patients (30%) were admitted to the hospital, with 34% suspected of being abused/neglected, compared to 13% who were treated on an ambulatory basis (P = 0.00005). Fifty-eight (69%) of the suspected abused/neglected patients were diagnosed based on the history and/or physical examination. The medical records of 31% revealed previous abuse/neglect, ingestion, failure to thrive, or old burns. We conclude that abuse or neglect is a significant factor in pediatric burn patients and that the child's previous medical record must be reviewed. Other associated factors include a single parent family or the child with greater than two burn sites. The actual incidence of abuse/neglect could not be determined, owing to laws regarding confidentiality.

Language: en