Abstract

INTENTIONAL BURN INJURY IN CHILDREN: CLINICAL AND FORENSIC REVIEW

*Dr. Archana Bagade and Dr. Vijay Patil

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Abstract

Pediatric burns comprise a major mechanism of injury affecting millions of children worldwide, with causes including scald injury, fire injury and child abuse. Most defenseless children are the most likely to be burned intentionally. Child abuse burn victims are almost always under the age of 10 with the majority under the age of 2. 12% of children who faces physical abuse have evidence of severe burn. Inflicted burn injury can be intentionally either by one person to another whenever one has the ability to physically control the other person or it can be self - inflicted. Immediate identification of intentional burn victims by those individuals first responding to the call for assistance is crucial because most of the victims are unable to speak for themselves. A missed diagnosis can result in future fatality so a detailed history, including previous trauma, present of recent illnesses, immunization status, routine medical care, careful documentation of the scene of the injury, including photographs and drawings. In this child abused burn injury medical professionals gather evidence carefully and completely to apply logically and impartially. Lawyers, doctors, forensic experts collaborate together to produce a holistic approach in this review.

Keywords: Inflicted, Abuse, Burn Introduction.