Difficult Airway Management in an Infant with Full Face and Neck Burn

Abstract

Burns that occur in the first 2 decades of life are usually caused by preventable accidents. Scald burns are the most common in the first decade. Flame burns have high morbidity and mortality rates in infants. This case report is presented to demonstrate appropriate anesthesia management and the multidisciplinary approach required in an intensive care unit (ICU). A 35 -day-old infant was admitted to ICU with second and third degree flash burns on the face, neck, and body covering 18% total body surface area according to Lund and Browder chart. Patient also had facial and oral edema, which resulted in difficult airway (grade IV). Burns were secondary to an accident at home involving matches lit by her brother.