Audit of burn deaths among older adults in North India – An autopsy-based study

Abstract

ObjectiveBurn injury among older adults above 60years of age will result in notable morbidity and mortality despite the many advances in treatment. The motive of this study was to record and assess the causes and magnitude of the fatal burns in older adults. MethodsThis study was carried out on older adults who were autopsied at Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Department of King George’s Medical University, India. From a total of 26,880 medico legal deaths reported over a period of 6years 2008–2013, 2695 (10.02%) deaths were due to burns. Among which 77 were older adults who forms the material of this study. The results were presented in Mean±SD and percentages and analyzed with SPSS 16.0. ResultsIn all burn deaths among older adults, 41.6% of the victims were male and 58.4% were female with male: female ratio 1:1.4. Most common manner of deaths among elderly was accident (42.9%) followed by homicide (35.1%) and suicide (22%). Women in all three groups were more to the risk of burn deaths. Causative agents for the accidental deaths were fire in all cases while in suicidal and homicidal deaths the causative agents were sprinkling /pouring of kerosene. 54.7% of the suicidal victim’s had burns >70% TBSA (total body surface area). ConclusionResults of this study shows that incidence of burn mortality was significantly higher among females. Most common manner of deaths among elderly is accident. Women in all three groups are more to the risk of burn deaths. Majority of burn victims were between the ages of 60–69years. The percentage of TBSA was found to be significantly higher among suicidal subjects. Results of this study provide the necessary information to implement programs for health education relating to prevention of burns.