Epidemiology Of Burns Research Articles

Epidemiology and Mortality of Burn Injuries in Eastern Iran Since 2009: An analysis of 2115 Cases

Background: Historically, burn injuries have been accompanied by bad prognosis. With the advances in recovering fluids and the early excision of burn scars, the survival rate has increased for severe burn patients. Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of burn injuries in Zahedan, Eastern Iran. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study examined 2173 burn patients for eight years. The research data were extracted from patients’ files and analyzed by SPSS 22 using the chi square test, t test and ANOVA. Results: In sum, out of 2173 files, 2115 files were analyzed. About two-thirds (71%) of burns were due to flame, one-fifth (21.2%) to boiling water, and 8% to other means. There was a significant relationship between patients’ age, gender, burn percentage, burn degree, burn cause, burn occurrence season, hospitalization duration, and addiction or non-addiction status with rate of death (P < 0.001). Conclusions: In this region of Iran, burn is influenced by families’ culture, economy, urban service level, workplace, home heating devices, type of people’s clothing, and awareness. The statistical analysis of the existing data completely indicated the epidemiology of burns in Eastern Iran.

Epidemiology and outcomes of burn injuries at a tertiary burn care center in Bangladesh

Globally, burns are among some of the most devastating injuries and account for more than 265,000 deaths worldwide. In Bangladesh alone, nearly 3000 people die annually from burn-related injuries. This study was conducted at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, Bangladesh in June of 2016. Data included conducting surveys of hospitalized burn patients (N=66) and a chart review of deceased burn patients (N=88). In addition to reporting on the demographic profile of patients, information was also obtained on clinical measures during hospitalization. For non-fatal burns, high risk groups included young adult males (early 30s) of lower socioeconomic status. Among children, the most vulnerable group was found to be children less than eight years old. The most common non-fatal types of burn injuries were flame (35%), electrical (31%) and scald (24%). Discharged patients had an average hospital stay of around 30days with half of all patients requiring surgical intervention, thus indicating the severity of those cases and the need for resource-intensive care. Among the discharged patient population, factors significantly associated with a longer duration of hospital stay included severity of injury, not having received prior treatment before admission and whether or not patients required surgery during hospitalization.Among the mortality cases, the high-risk groups also included young adult males and children of around eight years of age. The average total body surface area (TBSA) sustained in these cases was 46.4%, with 65% of deaths attributable to complications from flame burns.These findings highlight the frequency and severity of burn injuries, identify vulnerable population groups and list common causes of burns in this large developing country of 160 million people. Furthermore, these findings may be applicable to the epidemiology and outcome of burns in similar low and middle income countries.

Etiology and outcome of burns in Hamadan, Iran: A registry-based study

Background: Burn prevention strategies are most effective when they are based on knowledge of etiological patterns of burn injuries and considering the geographical variations and socioeconomic differences in burn epidemiology. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate the etiology and outcome of burns in Hamadan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This registry-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on 798 burn patients admitted to the Besat Hospital from March 2013 to February 2018. The medical records of all the patients were extracted from hospital information system. Results: In males, the most common cause of burn was gas explosion (41.4%), whereas in females, the most common cause was hot liquids (37.1%). In below 5 years and 6–15 years age group, burning with hot liquids was the common cause of burn, whereas in other age groups, gas explosion was the common cause of burn. In the present study, 6.9% of the patients died because of their burns. With increasing age, the odds of death increases, so that patients between 30 and 59 years had 2.2 fold (P = 0.02) and patients ≥60 years had 3.5 fold (P = 0.006) higher odds of death compared to patients aged

Profile of deaths due to thermal injuries in a coastal township in South India

Morbidity and mortality related to thermal injuries are a serious health concern worldwide. Burns and scalds are known to be responsible for a significant fraction of deaths in South India every year. The aim of this retrospective study is to give an overview of the trends in burn epidemiology in Manipal, during the years 2011 to 2015. The 5years retrospective research was conducted in the mortuary attached to the tertiary care teaching hospital in the study area. All cases of deaths due to thermal injuries between 2011 and 2015 were included in this study. Relevant information was collected from post mortem records and analysed for descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21. Deaths due to thermal injuries constituted 14% of the total unnatural deaths that occurred during the study period. 68% of the victims were female. The victims were aged between 1 and 80 years. The percentage of burnt body surface area varied in the range of 22% and 100%. The time interval between the occurrence of the incident and death of the victim ranged between 1 day and 3 months. The highest number of cases occurred in the months of April, May and June. The causes of death included complications such as hypovolemia, septicaemia, pulmonary edema and renal failure. The findings of this study give us an insight into the pattern and magnitude of deaths due to thermal injuries so that preventative measures can be suggested and taken up accordingly

The Epidemiology and Management of Electrical Burns in Kasr El-Eni Hospital between the Years 2010-2015

Background: Electrical burns are classified into low andhigh voltage burns. The arbitrary cutoff is usually set at1,000 V.Aim of the Work: This study attempts to show the prevalenceof electrical burns in our burn unit and the epidemiologicaldifference between high and low voltage injuries. Itcomprises retrospective study including the years 2010-2014and prospective study of the year 2015.Patients and Methods: The retrospective study is moreof a statistical analysis of number of electrical burn patientsand mortality rate, while in the prospective study we wereable to follow the patients, treatment process, response andoutcome.Results: In the retrospective section, 1233 burn patientswere admitted, 118 were due to electric injury, 21 females,25 cases of high voltage burns, 93 cases were due to lowvoltage injury, 44 cases of contact injuries, 83 flash burnpatients, 5 cases of amputation and 13 mortality cases. In theprospective section, 277 burn patients were admitted, of which15 were due to electric injury, 2 females, 10 cases of highvoltage burns, 10 cases of low voltage, 14 cases of contactinjuries, 1 flash burn patient, 6 cases of amputation and 2mortality cases. Electric burn injury predominantly involvesyoung males aged 21-40 years. Our study has found a constantincidence of electric burn injuries ranging between 15- 29cases per year (5.4-10.2% of total burn cases) in the successiveyears. In 2015, amputation rate was 40%. Since such devastatinginjuries with high morbidity rate stem from largelyavoidable hazards, there is need for adoption of preventivestrategies which appear to be the most effective way incontrolling health problems related to the electric burn injuries.Conclusion: Standardization of electrical devices andcontinuous supervision of workers, proper use the devices,security precautions, restriction of access of unskilled individualsto dangerous electrical instruments, settlement ofcontinuous educational programs for workers and electriciancan help to reduce electrical injury incidence and meticulousmedical care will help to decrease the mortality and disabilityrates.

Epidemiological evaluation paediatric burn injuries via an outpatient database in Eastern Ontario

BackgroundBurn injuries account for significant morbidity in the pediatric population. There is no structured data to describe the pediatric burns epidemiological profile in Eastern Ontario, Canada. ObjectivesThe aim was to establish a pediatric burn database in order to assess our current standard of practice, the burn epidemiology, and develop a framework for focused burn prevention programs in our catchment area. MethodsA pediatric burn database was built in REDCap at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) retrospectively for 2010–2015 period. Data points included demographic data, details about the injury and description of the burn wounds. Rural and urban living was classified as per the Canadian Postal Service. ResultsA total of 695 patients were seen as outpatients. Burns included 51.6% scald, 30.6% contact, and 9.6% flame injuries. Mean age was 4.25 years, and mean burn extent was 4.4% total body surface area (TBSA). Patients from rural areas had sustained burns wounds due to flame and contact with hot surfaces (p < 0.05), whereas children from urban areas had hot liquids as main etiology (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe pediatric burn injuries in our catchment area are mainly scald burns, and relatively small. The newly created outpatients burn database will aim to tailor the burn prevention programs. Primary burn prevention through education is essential in future burn reduction strategies.

Епідеміологія дитячих опіків у м. Києві

Епідеміологія дитячих опіків у м. Києві

Epidemiologic Investigation of Chemical Burns in Southwestern China from 2005 to 2016.

The epidemiological characteristics of chemical burns vary in different regions of the world. This study aims to survey the epidemiology, outcomes, and costs of chemical burns in southwest China, to determine associated risk factors and to obtain data for developing an effective approach to prevent and treat chemical burns. This retrospective study includes 410 cases with chemical burns admitted to the Institute of Burn Research of Southwest Hospital from 2005 to 2016. Data, including demographic, etiology, outcomes, and costs, were collected and analyzed. A total of 410 cases admitted to our burn center were included. The average age of the burn patients was 38.58 ± 14.66 years. The incidence of chemical burns peaked in autumn. The most common etiology were acids. Limbs were the most common burn sites (59.51%). Average total body surface area (TBSA) was 12.37 ± 18.67%. The percentage of patients who underwent procedures and the number of procedures were significantly greater for TBSA and full-thickness burns. The mortality of chemical burns was 1.22%. The median length of stay (LOS) and cost were 21 days and 65,852 CNY, respectively. The major risk factors for cost were the number of procedures, TBSA and full-thickness burns, the major risk factors for LOS were the number of procedures and outcome. Chemical burns mainly occurred in adult males with occupational exposures to chemical agents due to inappropriate operation. Emphasis on safety education for the public and professional pre-employment training for workers should become key preventive targets to reduce the incidence of chemical burns.

Determination of risk factors for burn mortality based on a regional population study in Taiwan

BackgroundBurns are not only major personal catastrophic events but also constitute a national health problem due to its associated morbidity, rehabilitation, mortality and high cost medical services. Advances in care and treatment have increased survival from major burn injury. However, information on the epidemiology and risk factors of burn mortality in Taiwan is limited. The study aim was to determine the nationwide epidemiological characteristics, trends, and mortality risk factors of burn inpatients in Taiwan. MethodsThis nationwide population-based study evaluated data retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. Patients hospitalized for burns (ICD-9-CM codes 940-949) between 2003 and 2013 were identified from hospitalization records. ResultsA total of 73,774 patients were included. The data showed increases in age, revised Baux score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index during the study period, but it was also accompanied by a continuing decrease in burn incidence and a significant shortening of the length of hospital stay. The average in-hospital mortality was 17.5/1000 in 2003 and 12.2/1000 in 2013 but did not showed significant change. Male gender, older age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, presence of inhalation injury, large total burn surface area (TBSA), and higher revised Baux score were significant predictors of mortality. ConclusionPopulation-based burn epidemiology data demonstrated ongoing improvement in hospital care during the past decade. Male gender, older age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, presence of inhalation injury, large TBSA, and higher revised Baux score were significant predictors of mortality.

Genital burns in the United States: Disproportionate prevalence in the pediatric population

Introduction and objectivesTo describe the epidemiology of genital burns in the U.S. and investigate the underlying etiology. MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried for individuals who sustained genital burns from 2000 to 2016. We collected data on age, gender, injury diagnosis, disposition, and causative agents. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of hospitalization. ResultsWe estimate 17,026 (95% CI 16,649–17,404) cases of genital burns presented to emergency departments nationally. Genital burns occurred more in males than females (12,295 vs 4,731). Scalding (57.9%) was the most common mechanism of injury and hot water (35.7%) the most common causative agent. Significant predictors of hospitalization on multivariate analysis were multi-surface (OR 4.4), scalding (OR 11.5) and thermal burns (OR 27.9).Children ages 0–2 had the highest prevalence of genital burns, and children ages 0–12 comprised 37.1% of the study. For children <5years of age, majority of the burns were caused by hot water in the bathroom. In age group 6–12, the most common causes of genital burns were cooking-related scalds due to hot foods and water. ConclusionsChildren sustain genital burns at a higher rate than adults and many appear to have a preventable mechanism. Improved product design for safety and educating caregivers about potential hazardous situations are needed.

Poverty, population density, and the epidemiology of burns in young children from Mexico treated at a U.S. pediatric burn facility

IntroductionChildren 5 and younger are at risk for sustaining serious burn injuries. The causes of burns vary depending on demographic, cultural and socioeconomic variables. At this pediatric burn center we provided medical care to children from Mexico with severe injuries. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of demographic distribution and modifiable risk factors of burns in young children to help guide prevention. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed with children 5 and younger from Mexico who were injured from 2000–2013. The medical records of 447 acute patients were reviewed. Frequency counts and percentages were used to identify geographic distribution and calculate incidence of burns. Microsoft Powermap software was used to create a geographical map of Mexico based on types of burns. A binomial logistic regression was used to model the incidence of flame burns as opposed to scald burns in each state with relation to population density and poverty percentage. In all statistical tests, alpha=0.05 for a 95% level of confidence. ResultsBurns were primarily caused by flame and scald injuries. Admissions from flame injuries were mainly from explosions of propane tanks and gas lines and house fires. Flame injuries were predominantly from the states of Jalisco, Chihuahua, and Distrito Federal. Scalds were attributed to falling in large containers of hot water or food on the ground, and spills of hot liquids. Scald injuries were largely from the states of Oaxaca, Distrito Federal, and Hidalgo. The odds of a patient having flame burns were significantly associated with poverty percentage (p<0.0001) and population density (p=0.0085). Increasing levels of poverty led to decrease in odds of a flame burn, but an increase in the odds of scald burns. Similarly, we found that increasing population density led to a decrease in the odds of a flame burn, but an increase in the odds of a scald burn. ConclusionsBurns in young children from Mexico who received medical care at this pediatric burn center were attributed to flame and scalds. Potential demographic associations have been identified. Different states in Mexico have diverse cultural and socioeconomic variables that may influence the etiology of burns in young children and this information may help efficiently tailor burn prevention campaigns for burn prevention efforts in each region. Applicability of research to practiceThis information will be used to develop and help modify existing prevention campaigns.

Rethinking burns for low & middle-income countries: Differing patterns of burn epidemiology, care seeking behavior, and outcomes across four countries

PurposeLow-and middle-income (LMIC) countries account for 90% of all reported burns, nevertheless there is a paucity of providers to treat burns. Current studies on burns in LMICs have not evaluated the gap between care seeking and receiving. This study explores this gap across socioeconomically similar populations in a multi-country population based assessment to inform burn care strategies. MethodsThe Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) instrument is a cross sectional national, cluster random sampling survey administered in Nepal, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Uganda from 2011 to 2014. The survey identifies burn etiology, demographics, timing, disability, and barriers to receiving care. ResultsAmong 13,763 individuals surveyed, 896 burns were identified. Rwanda had the highest proportion of individuals seeking and receiving care (91.6% vs 88.5%) while Sierra Leone reported the fewest (79.3% vs 70.3%). Rwanda reported the largest disability while Nepal reported the highest proportion with no disability (47.5% vs 76.2%). Lack of money, healthcare providers, and rural living reduce the odds of receiving care by 68% and 85% respectively. ConclusionsDespite similar country socioeconomic characteristics there was significant variability in burn demographics, timing, and disability. Nevertheless, being geographically and economically disadvantaged predict lack of access to burn care.

Assessing burn care in Brazil: An epidemiologic, cross-sectional, nationwide study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to describe the national epidemiology of burns in Brazil and evaluate regional access to care by defining the contribution of out-of-hospital mortality to total burn deaths. MethodsWe reviewed admissions data for Brazil's single-payer, free-at-point-of-care, public-sector provider and national death registry data abstracted from DATASUS for 2008–2014. Admissions, in-hospital mortality, hospital reimbursement, and total deaths from the death registry were assessed for records coded under ICD-10 codes corresponding to flame, scald, contact, and electrical burns. ResultsA total of 17,264 burn deaths occurred between 2008–2014 (mean annual 2,466 [SD 202]). Of all burns deaths 79.1% occurred out of hospital, with marked regional differences in the proportion of out-of-hospital deaths (P < 0.001), the greatest being in the North region. The mean annual number of admissions >24 hours was 18,551 (SD 1,504) with the greatest prevalence of flame burns overall (43.98%) and scalds prevailing in < 5 years (57.8%). Regional differences were found in per-capita admissions (P < 0.001) with the greatest number in the Central-West region. A mean of $1,022 (SD $94) US dollars was reimbursed per burn admission. ConclusionGiven that nearly 80% of burns mortalities occurred out of hospital, prevention of burns alongside interventions improving prehospital and access to care have potential for the greatest impact.

Epidemiology of hand burns among children in Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The events leading to hand burns injuries in a child are a complex relationship between the child, heat source, mechanism, and the environment where the event occurs. Preventing hand burns in children needs an understanding of its epidemiology. OBJECTIVES: To describe the etiology, pattern, mechanism, and the environmental setting in childhood hand burn injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective study of all children who sustained burns injury to the hand over a 5-year period (January 2011–December 2015). The study was conducted at the Plastic Surgery Unit of the Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria. Recorded information included age, gender, agent of burns, pattern of injury, mechanism of injury, and the setting at the time of injury. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: A total of 47 children sustained burn injuries to the hand. The mean age was 2.17 years, a standard deviation of ±2.15, and age range of 0 to 13 years. There were 26 children

Epidemiology and cost of burns in emergency department during Syrian civil war.

We aimed to emphasize the importance of regional hospitals' capacities and emergency services for burn patients in war and disaster situations, in addition to assessing the costs and clinical situations of seriously burned patients who have come to the emergency service due to the bomb and heater burst during the Syrian civil war. In this study, we analyzed these 217 burn patients and analyzed these patients' data for retrospective analysis. Burn patients were more often seen during the winter months. The majority of the patients were children, young adults and male (1‒16 age, 95 % burn, 44 %,17‒40 age 94 % burn, 44 %, ≥ 41‒65 age, 28 % burn, 12 %). The most common body surface burns ≥ 20 % body surface in surviving patients n = 184, 78 % were determined. 14 of the burned patients died within the first 24 hours. The total cost of the burned patients in the emergency unit was observed to be 33.4 ± 25.9 Turkish Lira (10.2‒6813.2). The present study showed that burn patients need much longer treatment time. The need for trained personnel in case of mass disasters and warfare, the identification of burn intensive care units and hospitals to be referred is important (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 23).

Epidemiologic comparative burn analysis in LUHS Hospital Kaunas Clinics during 2003–2005 vs. 2013–2015

Background and objectives Burns are one of the most severe traumas, which traumatism has been changing over the past decades, globally and nationally. In LUHS hospital Kaunas Clinics, a study which analyses latest tendencies in burn epidemiology has not been conducted. Since 1972 LUHS Hospital Burns Center has been a national severe burns treatment center, thus our study data well represents national burns statistics. Our study aim was to analyze and compare data about burned patients who were admitted to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Burns Department in LUHS Hospital Kaunas Clinics during two periods: 2003–2005 and 2013–2015. Methods This was a retrospective study. Patients from two comparison groups: treated in 2003–2005 and during 2013–2015 were divided according to age, gender, burn etiology, depth, degree, localization, hospitalization stay, surgery time (early surgery &lt;7 days post burn/ delayed surgery &gt;7 days post-burn). Overall data from 757 burn patients admitted during both periods were collected and analyzed. Results Statistically significantly more men suffered from burn injuries during the both periods (66.3% men, 33,7 % women). A statistically significant correlation between burn mechanism and gender was found: men are more likely to be burned by flame, women by scald. The most common burn localizations were arm, legs and head/neck/face regions. During the second period statistically significantly less arm, stomach/waist and leg region burns occurred. Flame was the most common burn cause in both periods. Hospital stay during the second period was statistically significantly shorter (26 days vs. 24 days). Deep burn number statistically significantly decreased from 79.5% to 49.3%. When comparing burn surgery tactics more early burn necrectomies (135 vs. 165) were performed sooner after the trauma (10 vs. 8 days) in 2013–2015. Conclusions Our study results match worldwide burns epidemiologic and treatment tendencies: less deep burns occur (79.5% during first period, 49.3% during the second period, p&lt;0.05), hospital stay is getting shorter (26 days during first period and 24 days during the second, p&lt;0.05). During 2013–2015, more early burn surgeries were performed (135 surgeries during first period vs. 165 during the second, p&lt;0.05), which matches the worldwide burns treatment guideline. Epidemiological data from our study could help understand changes in burn injuries and to improve burn prevention strategies.

Epidemiologinė lyginamoji LSMU ligoninėje Kauno klinikose gydytų nudegimų analizė: 2003–2005 m. vs. 2013–2015 m.

Tyrimo tikslas ir uždaviniaiNudegimai – viena iš sunkiausių traumų. Pastaraisiais dešimtmečiais nudegimų traumatizmas keičiasi tiek pasaulyje, tiek Lietuvoje. Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto ligoninėje Kauno klinikose (LSMUL KK) iki šiol nebuvo atliktas tyrimas, kuris nagrinėtų naujausius nudegimų epidemiologinius duomenis ir pokyčius. Nuo 1972 m. LSMU KK Nudegimų centras yra pagrindinis nudegimų gydymo padalinys Lietuvoje ir vienintelis centras, kuriame gydomi suaugusiųjų dideli nudegimai, todėl gydomų pacientų grupė gerai reprezentuoja situaciją šalyje. Mūsų tyrimo tikslas buvo ištirti ir palyginti nudegusių pacientų, gydytų LSMUL KK 2003–2005 m. ir 2013–2015 m., demografinius duomenis, nustatyti traumatizmo ir gydymo pokyčius.MetodaiAtlikta retrospektyvioji analizė. Surinkti duomenys suskirstyti į dvi grupes: 1 grupė apima nudegimus, įvykusius 2003–2005 m., 2 grupė – 2013–2015 metais. Asmenys suskirstyti pagal amžių, lytį, nudegimo etiologiją, gylį, laipsnį, lokalizaciją, hospitalizacijos trukmę, operacijos laiką: ankstyva operacija (≤7 d. po nudegimo) ir vėlyva operacija (&gt;7 d. po nudegimo).Tyrimo rezultataiIš viso išanalizuoti 757 nudegę pacientai. Nustatyta, kad statistiškai reikšmingai dažniau nudegimus patiria vidutinio amžiaus vyrai (66,3 % vyrų, 33,7 % moterų). Rasta statistiškai reikšminga priklausomybė tarp lyties ir nudegimo mechanizmo: vyrai dažniau nusidegina liepsna, o moterys – karštu vandeniu. Dažniausios nudegimų lokalizacijų grupės: rankos, kojos ir galva, kaklas ir veidas, dažniausia etiologija – liepsna. Statistiškai reikšmingai sutrumpėjo nudegusio paciento hospitalizacijos trukmė (nuo 26 iki 24 dienų), sumažėjo gilių nudegimų (nuo 79,5 % iki 49,3 %). Lyginant operacinę taktiką abiem laikotarpiais, 2013–2015 m. statistiškai reikšmingai daugiau atlikta ankstyvųjų nekrektomijų ir operacijos laikas po nudegimo sutrumpėjo (nuo 10 iki 8 dienų).IšvadosMūsų tyrimo rezultatai sutampa su pasaulinėmis nudegimų epidemiologinėmis ir gydymo tendencijomis: gilių nudegimų mažėja (79,5 % pirmuoju laikotarpiu ir 49,3 % antruoju laikotarpiu), hospitalizacijos laikas trumpėja (nuo 26 iki 24 dienų). Antruoju laikotarpiu išryškėjo operacinė taktika atlikti ankstesnes nudegimo operacijas (44,9 % visų atliktų operacijų pirmuoju ir 60,4 % antruoju laikotarpiu, p&lt;0,05), kuri sutampa su pasaulinėmis nudegimų gydymo gairėmis. Epidemiologiniai tyrimo duomenys gali padėti atskleisti nudegimo traumos pokyčius ir sudaryti tikslesnes nudegimų prevencijos programas.

Hospitalized burns in Finland: 36 305 cases from 1980–2010

To analyse the epidemiology of burns in Finland, a comprehensive study was conducted among all hospitalized burn patients between 1980 and 2010. All patients with burn injury as the main diagnosis, 36305 cases in total, treated in the public and private sectors, were included.Patient data were obtained from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register (FHDR). The incidence of hospitalized injuries declined from over 30 to 17 per 100000 persons. Men were at higher risk than women in all age groups. Children aged under ten years were overrepresented throughout the period and the highest incidence was found among one year old boys. The median total length of stay shortened from seven days in 1980–1995 to five days in 1996–2010. The annual number of hospitalized patients is recently under 1000 cases (17/100000). The male predominance (70%) did not change but the age group with the most injuries shifted from 20–39 years to 40–59 years. Injuries were most common during the summer months.This study of all hospitalized burn injuries of one entire country shows similar tendency of diminishing numbers and rising age of burn victims as in other western countries. The FHDR is a reliable source of data in epidemiological studies but precise recording of E- and N-codes in the registry would enable the accurate analysis of types and extent of injury.

Epidemiologic investigation of burn patients in Sichuan Province

ObjectiveWe performed an epidemiological investigation of patients with burns in Sichuan Province, China to determine burn epidemiology trends and re-evaluate burn prevention programmes. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients admitted to the Burn Centre of West China Hospital during 2011–2016. We collected information of patient demographics, burn aetiology, burn extent, place of injury, outcome, education level, and burn knowledge of patients. ResultsA total of 1323 patients (1033 males and 290 females), mean age 35.4years (range 10days to 91years), were admitted to our burn centre. Among patients, 214 were children aged 0–14years, 998 were adults aged 15–59years, and 111 were elderly adults over age 60years. Scalds were the predominant cause of paediatric burns; however, flame burns were most common among adults and elderly patients. The injury location varied by age, with most burns occurring at work among adults; however, most injuries occurred at home among children and elderly patients. The kitchen was the most common location of burn accidents at home for all three age groups. On the whole, mild and moderate burns were predominant in all three groups. Educational levels were lower among adults from rural areas than those from urban areas, but both groups had little first aid knowledge. Furthermore, rural patients had received less vocational education and training than urban ones. ConclusionsThere has been a decrease in burn incidence in Sichuan Province, especially among children. Flame injury should be a focus of attention in all age groups. Prevention programmes for adults in the workplace are imperative and must include improved working conditions, compulsory vocational education, and burn prevention education, especially for rural populations. Such burn prevention programmes should continue to improve living conditions for residents of the province, especially elderly adults.

The epidemiology of burns in Indonesia’s national referral burn center from 2013 to 2015

IntroductionBurn injury is one of the leading causes of disability and death, particularly in low and middle-income countries, yet the epidemiology of burn in Indonesia is rarely reported. We aim to obtain the sociodemographic characteristics of burn patients in Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital’s Burn Center. MethodsA cross sectional study design was used and the medical records of patients with burns admitted to the Burn Center of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital between January 2013 and December 2015 were evaluated. ResultsA total of 414 subjects were involved in this study. Of these, 284 (68.6%) subjects were >18years old, while 130 (31.4%) were ≤18years old. The highest proportion of admission was from the 1 to 4years old age group. Since the pediatric population is not within the working-age population, most of the patients in the pediatric group (108 patients; 82.3%) did not have an occupation, making “Not Working” group as the most common occupational profile, while 82 (28.9%) of the adult population were laborers. Scald was the cause of burn in 66 (50.8%) subjects the pediatric group, whereas the burns in 201 (70.8%) adult subjects were caused by flame. ConclusionWe found that children below 5years of age are at the highest risk of acquiring burns. Scald was the major cause of burns in the pediatric population, while flame was the main etiology in the adult group.