Role of belgium outcome of burn injury (BOBI) score in the assessment of mortality in scald burns

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Burn injuries are a significant public health concern in developing countries like India, where limited healthcare resources contribute to high mortality rates. Prognostic scoring systems, such as the Belgium Outcome of Burn Injury (BOBI) score, have been developed to predict mortality and guide clinical decision-making. However, their applicability in resource-constrained settings remains underexplored. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the BOBI score in predicting mortality among burn patients in such contexts.To assess the reliability of the BOBI score and other burn prognostic systems in predicting mortality among burn patients in resource-limited settings, focusing on bedside risk assessment, patient counselling, and resource optimization. This case study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India after obtaining ethical committee approval. A 7-year-old male patient with a 7% total body surface area (TBSA) scald burn involving the genitalia, bilateral thighs, and lower abdomen was assessed using the BOBI scoring system. Mortality predictions were based on parameters such as age, TBSA affected, and the presence of inhalation injury.The patient's BOBI score indicated a mortality risk of 0.1%. This low risk was attributed to favorable parameters, including age (<50 years), limited TBSA involvement (<20%), and the absence of inhalation injury. The BOBI score demonstrates potential as a practical tool for predicting mortality in pediatric burn patients and guiding care prioritization in settings with limited resources. However, variability in patient demographics and resource constraints in developing regions necessitate the standardization of scoring systems to enhance their predictive accuracy and applicability. Further studies are recommended to validate BOBI and similar scoring systems for broader use in diverse populations.