Inflicted burns in children. Recognition and treatment

JAMA. 1979 Aug 10;242(6):517-20.

Abstract

Inflicted burns are an essential part of the battered child syndrome. One hundred forty-two nonaccidental burns (16%) were found in 872 children admitted to the burn center at the Children's Hospital of Michigan during the six-year period (1972 to 1977). Of the 1,518 cases of child abuse treated during this period, 9% were caused by intentional burns. Family instability and an inability to deal with stress in crisis were important factors in the cause of these injuries.

MeSH terms

  • Battered Child Syndrome*
  • Burns / etiology*
  • Burns / mortality
  • Child Abuse*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis
  • Family Characteristics
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Pediatric / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hospitals, Special / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Michigan
  • Sex Factors