Korean J Perinatol.  2008 Dec;19(4):382-387.

A case of neonatal major burn by electrical heating pad

• Na JH
• Kim ES
• Cho HM
• Yoo EJ
• Jung K
• Kim EY
• Kim YW
• Kim KS

Abstract

Burn in neonates have been reported following the use of pulse oximeters, phototherapy blanket, infrared heating lamp, laryngoscope, and warming bottle. This case reports a newborn who had major burn injuries of 45% total body surface area (TBSA) including 3rd degree burns of 20% TBSA on her back, buttocks, both thighs and heels by exposure to an electrical heating pad for 3 hours. She developed significant systemic response, showing disseminated intravascular coagulation, electrical imbalance, jaundice, hypoalbuminemia, acute renal failure, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. The potential hazard of the electric heating pad is reported in order to alert clinicians to this specific risk, to stimulate concern about other similar problems with materials in contact with skin, and to prevent burn of newborns in the neonate unit.

Keyword

Neonate; Major burn injuries

MeSH Terms

Acute Kidney Injury
Body Surface Area
Burns
Buttocks
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Heating
Heel
Hot Temperature
Humans
Hypertension, Pulmonary
Hypoalbuminemia
Infant, Newborn
Jaundice
Laryngoscopes
Phototherapy
Skin
Thigh