Korean Journal of Perinatology  2008;19(4):382-387

A case of neonatal major burn by electrical heating pad.

Ji Hyun NA 1 ; Eun Sung KIM ; Hyung Min CHO ; Eun Jung YOO ; Kwon JUNG ; Eun Young KIM ; Yong Wook KIM ; Kyoung Sim KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

Neonate; Major burn injuries

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

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.