Retrospective Statistical Study of Thermal injury Patients in Al-Azhar University Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Thermal injuries are one of the leading causes of disability and death, particularly in low and middle income countries, yet its epidemiology in Egypt is under- reported. Thermal trauma is a significant health problem that has physical, psychological, and economic repercussions on affected patients. Objective: Our aim was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of thermal injury patients. Patients and methods: This retrospective study was done on one hundred patients with thermal injuries admitted to Al-Azhar University Hospitals. Data were collected from patient’s files. Results: The highest incidence of thermal injuries was seen in 3rd and 4th decade age group (65 cases) while the lowest incidence was those < 10 years (5 cases). Fire predominates in both genders (more than 50%) followed by hot liquids. Electrical injures represented the lowest cause. The most commonly injured part was upper limbs. Thermal injury covering less than 10% of total body surface area (TBSA) represented 28% of studied cases, while 40% of studied cases had injury covering 10-20% of TBSA and those with 21-30% injury of TBSA were 25% of cases. Majority of cases had thermal injuries of third degree (62 cases). Eighteen cases died; 8 cases died early from dehydration and shock, 6 cases from infection and 4 cases from surgical interventions. Conclusion: Thermal injuries are public health problem accounting for a substantial proportion of all trauma admissions at Al-Hussein Hospital. These injuries and deaths are preventable, provided a community-specific preventive program is implemented with a strong educational component.