BURNS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN ALBANIA: CAUSES, CLINICAL COURSE, AND IMPACT
BURNS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN ALBANIA: CAUSES, CLINICAL COURSE, AND IMPACT

Summary/Abstract: Burns in children and adolescents represent one of the most frequent and serious traumas in this age group, with significant effects on morbidity and mortality. Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller body surface area, faster metabolism, and reduced resistance to complications. In countries with limited resources, including Albania, most injuries occur in domestic environments and are closely linked to insufficient preventive measures. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Service, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa,” between January 2021 and January 2024. The objective was to analyze the demographic and clinical profile of hospitalized children and adolescents with burns, the main causes, the severity of injuries, and the impact of these traumas on health outcomes. In total, 157 cases were examined using hospital records, with formal approval from the Ethics Committee. Data were processed in Excel and analyzed with SPSS. The mean patient age was 4.06 years. The most affected group was 0–10 years (53 cases), with a peak around age 2. The youngest was 7 months, and the oldest 17 years. Of the patients, 61.1% were male and 38.9% female. The overall mortality rate was 8.31%, with 2 children dying due to severe burn complications. Hot liquids, especially water and milk, were the leading cause, accounting for 74.6% of injuries. Fire and flames were responsible for 13.6%, electrical burns for 1%, while chemicals and other causes made up 10.8%. The average burned body surface was 25.3%, ranging from 5% to 65%. Most children (73%) sustained burns affecting less than 20% of TBSA, while 21% had 21–40%, 4% had 41–51%, and 2% had over 55%. The distribution of burns by body region showed extremities as the most affected (33%). This was followed by combined injuries such as extremities + trunk (23%) and extremities + face (15%). Trunk-only burns were present in 20% of cases, genital burns in 7%, and face-only burns in 6%. More complex combinations, including scalp and neck involvement, made up around 10%. The study emphasizes the urgent need for preventive strategies and awareness campaigns aimed at parents and communities. For Albania, strengthening safety standards in households, expanding education on common risks, and providing timely access to specialized treatment remain critical. In addition, psychosocial support for affected children and families plays an essential role in recovery. Prevention, high-quality healthcare, and consistent public information efforts together can substantially reduce the impact of burn injuries on this vulnerable age group.

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