Overview of current pediatric burn care

Burn injuries affect approximately a million children in the United States on an annual basis. Moderate to severe burns require hospitalization, usually under the direction of a Pediatric Surgical service. Despite advancements in burn treatment, pediatric burn injuries account for approximately 2500 deaths annually. This article provides an overview of the initial evaluation and resuscitative measures for pediatric burn patients, most current wound care, indications for grafting, and the role of nutrition, including use of pharmacologic adjuncts. Use of colloid solutions, indications for use of skin substitutes, and transfer criteria will also be addressed.