Life threatening deep scald burns in a neonate: A rare case report

ABSTRACT

Domestic burns in neonate are rare in literature. Neonates are high risk for burns because of their thin and fragile skin, fluid overload or dehydration as the fluid balance range is small and immature immune system leading to septicaemia. Neonates are not small adults, owing to their different physiological response makes the management of neonates challenging as the clinical signs are different from the adults and the resuscitation protocols or end points are also different. We present a case of 11 days old neonate, who sustained 51% scald burns when the hot water bag being used by her mother accidentally burst, the youngest reported case of domestic scald burns with such high percentage. The baby was managed by fluid resuscitation, antibiotics, dressings, ventilatory support for septicaemia and subsequently homograft application. The neonate was discharged with completely healed areas after 35 days of burns and is on regular follow up and no complications have been observed.

KEY WORDS

Accidental - neonate - scald burns

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