Epidemiology and Infections in a Pediatric Burn Unit: Experience of Three Years

Objective: Fluid loss, pain, increased metabolic requirement, post-traumatic stress disorder and infections are the main problems observed in patients with burns. The most important cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients with burns is sepsis. In this study, our aim is to review the specific infections in a specialized pediatric burn unit during 3 years, including their categorization, diagnosis, and treatment, and to develop strategies for antimicrobial resistance control and treatment of infectious complications. Material and Methods: During the three-year study period, 175 children were evaluated retrospectively in terms of epidemiological features and infection status in our pediatric burn unit. Results: The average length of hospitalization of patients was 12.3±13.4 (1-154) days. Thirty-four infections were documented in 29 (16.6%) of 175 patients. Twenty-one of the total infections were wound infections, 8 were bloodstream infections and 5 were urinary tract infections. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Pseudomonas aeroginosa in burn wound infections, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in boodstream infections and P. aeroginosa in urinary tract infections. The mortality rate was found to be 2.28%. Coclusion: The damaged tissues in burn patients are highly susceptible to infection. Treatments of burn cases require a multidisciplinary and meticulous approach, especially in pediatric patients. In order to evaluate correct patient management, each burn unit must identify its patient population and infectious agents in order to develop strategies for selecting the appropriate antibiotic.