Epidemiology Of Burns Research Articles

Friction Burns: Defining the Rub of Road Rash After Motorcycle Trauma.

There is a paucity of literature on friction burn epidemiology, injury characteristics, and management after trauma. This study aims to characterize friction burns resulting from motorcycle accidents, evaluate the role of specialized burn surgery teams, and assess the need for operative intervention. The trauma registry of a Level 1 Trauma Center was queried for all admissions after motorcycle accidents between January 2018 and December 2022. Patients were included if there was an external cause of injury code for an abrasion. Chart review was conducted to confirm a road rash injury, identify burn consultation, wound care recommendations, need for operating room (OR) procedure and skin grafting, and outcomes. Among the 810 patients meeting inclusion criteria, the cohort was 92% male, 46% Hispanic, with median age of 33 (IQR 26-44), and median ISS 8 (IQR 5-14). The extremities were most affected by friction burn followed by the abdomen, thorax, and face. Burn surgery was consulted in 7% (n=57) of cases which had a median TBSA of 4% (IQR 2-6%); 23% (n=13) of these patients underwent excision in the OR, 16% (n=9) required autografting, and 61% (n=35) were referred for burn follow-up on discharge. On multivariable regression, consults to burn were more likely in female patients (OR 3.40, p=0.002) and those with involvement of the upper extremity, abdomen, or thorax. Friction burns are common after motorcycle-related trauma. Local wound care is sufficient for a vast majority of these injuries and the need for specialized burn care and operative intervention is rare.

Unveiling Sex Differences in Pediatric Burns Through the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Burn Registry

IntroductionPediatric burns present a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite this burden, few studies have explored global sex-based differences in pediatric burns. This study aims to describe pediatric burn incidence, burn care facilities’ capacities, and burn outcomes with a focus on sex, comparing LMICs to HICs. MethodsThis study utilizes the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Burn Registry (GBR) to analyze pediatric burn cases from 2018 to 2022, examining patient demographics, causes of burns, burn care facilities' capacities, and burn outcomes in relation to sex. Statistical analysis was done by chi-square and logistic regression. ResultsIt was found that female patients were less likely than males to undergo surgical treatment during their hospital stay in low-income countries (adjusted odd ratios = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.45–1.26; p = 0.168) and middle-income countries (adjusted odd ratios = 0.72, 95% Cl: 0.52–0.95; p = 0.002). Additionally, females in both low- (adjusted odd ratios = 2.23, 95% Cl: 1.12–3.53; p = 0.045) and middle-income countries (adjusted odd ratios = 1.72, 95% Cl: 1.12–2.95; p < 0.001) exhibited higher odds of discharging with disability compared to males. ConclusionSex-based differences persist in pediatric burn epidemiology and treatment outcomes. Addressing these differences involves sex-sensitive strategies to mitigate the burden of pediatric burns, particularly in vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. Type of StudyRetrospective observational study. Level of EvidenceLevel III evidence.

Prevalence and characteristics of paediatric burns at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

IntroductionBurn injuries among children have emerged as a significant global public health concern, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low and Middle-Income Countries bear a significant burden of paediatric burn injuries. In Ghana, limited data exists on the prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of paediatric burns. This study provides vital data on the local burden and epidemiology of paediatric burns at Ghana’s main burns treatment center. The findings have significant value in informing prevention strategies, allocating resources, and improving quality of paediatric burn care. Study objectiveTo establish the prevalence and characteristics of paediatric burns injuries in Ghana’s leading burn center. MethodologyA retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 662 adult and paediatric patients who presented with burns from all over Ghana between 2020 and 2022. The study encompassed medical records of paediatric burn cases (aged 0–14 years) admitted to the center from January 2020 to December 2022. A purposive sampling technique was used to select cases based on the inclusion criteria and elimination of cases with 20 % missing data. A total of 335 paediatric records were reviewed. Data analytical methodsDescriptive statistics, such as frequencies, mean, percentages were used to establish period prevalence and demographic characteristics of paediatric burns. Chi-square analysis and univariate logistic regression was utilized to explore associations between categorical variables, and predictors of burn outcome. ResultsThe period prevalence of paediatric burns was found to be 50.6 %. Paediatric burn cases predominantly affected males (57.6 %). Majority of cases fell within the age range of 1 to 5 years (70.1 %). Hot water emerged as the leading cause (58.4 %), whiles superficial partial thickness burns (51.9 %) was the predominant type of burn. Most cases involved burns affecting less than 20 % Total Body Surface Area (59.0 %). Multi-part body injuries were common (87.2 %), with the lower limb being the most affected (25.36 %). The mortality rate was calculated to be 21.0 %. Higher TBSA was a significant predictor of mortality (p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study found a high prevalence of paediatric burns with hot water and foods being the predominant causes. Higher TBSA predicted lower chances of survival. The findings have scientific value in informing prevention strategies, allocating resources, and improving the quality of care.

Epidemiology and first aid measures in pediatric burn patients in northern China during 2016-2020: A single-center retrospective study.

Burn and scald injuries are the fourth most common type of trauma. Pediatric burns account for a high proportion of the total number of burn patients and impose a high burden on public health. Understanding the epidemiology of pediatric burns can help improve science education and reduce the incidence of burn injuries. This study is a single-center retrospective study. One thousand five hundred and twenty-seven pediatric burn patients admitted to our burn center from January 2016 to December 2020 were included. Demographic and epidemiological data of included patients were extracted and analyzed. The correlations of categorical data were tested by the Chi-square tests, and differences of continuous data were tested by the Kruskal-Wallis tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The results showed that children under 3 years of age were most susceptible to burn and scald injuries. Burn injuries were most likely to occur in the season of winter and at the place of home. 56.6% of included patients did receive first aid measures, while 1.8% received gold-standard first aid. Clinical variables related to the severity of injuries were statistically different between patients with and without cooling measures in first aid. Linear regression models showed that emergency treatment of burns in children and adolescents was associated with outcome indicators, including number of operations, total operation duration per total burn surface area (TBSA), cost per TBSA, and length of stay per TBSA. This study summarized the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric burn patients admitted to a burn center in northern China. Adopting cooling measures in first aid can reduce the severity of injuries and reduce the burden on the medical system. Education on burn prevention and first aid measures to caregivers of children, especially preschool children, should be strengthened.

Understanding Epidemiological Trends in Geriatric Burn Injuries: A National Multicenter Analysis from NEISS 2004-2022.

Burn injuries pose a significant source of patient morbidity/mortality and reconstructive challenges for burn surgeons, especially in vulnerable populations such as geriatric patients. Our study aims to provide new insights into burn epidemiology by analyzing the largest national, multicenter sample of geriatric patients to date. Utilizing the National Electronic Injury and Surveillance System (NEISS) database (2004-2022), individuals with a "Burn" diagnosis were extracted and divided into two comparison age groups of 18-64 and 65+. Variables including sex, race, affected body part, incident location, burn etiology, and clinical outcomes were assessed between the two groups utilizing two proportion z-tests. 60,581 adult patients who sustained burns were identified from the NEISS database with 6,630 of those patients categorized as geriatric (65+). Geriatric patients had a significantly greater frequency of scald burns (36.9% vs. 35.4%; p<0.01), and third degree/full-thickness burns (10.4% vs 5.5%, p<0.01) relative to non-geriatric adult patients with most of these burns occurring at home (75.9% vs 67.4%; p<0.01). The top five burn sites for geriatric patients were the hand, face, foot, lower arm, and lower leg and the top five burn injury sources were hot water, cookware, oven/ranges, home fires, and gasoline. Geriatric patients had over two times greater risk of hospital admission (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 2.17-2.49, p<0.01) and over five times greater risk of ED mortality (OR: 6.22, 95% CI: 4.00-9.66, p<0.01) after incurring burn injuries. These results highlight the need for stronger awareness of preventative measures for geriatric burn injuries.

Seasonal Dynamics in Burn Profiles: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis at the Burn Care Centre, PIMS, Islamabad (2016-2022).

Seasons have a major impact on the frequency and characteristics of burn injuries; in warmer months, thermal burns from outdoor activities are more common, while in cooler months, incidents involving heating sources and fires are more common. It is essential to comprehend these trends in order to customize safety precautions and awareness initiatives. Studies on the impact of seasonal variations help burn centers allocate resources more effectively in order to prepare for variations in patient volume and severity. Data from January 2016 to December 2022, with an emphasis on burn types excluding nonburn cases, were analyzed retrospectively over a 7-year period at the Burn Care Centre in Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. The research examined hospital stays, demographics, burn causes, admissions, total burned surface area, and death rates while dividing the years into winter and summer seasons for analysis. With 4014 admitted patients, the study found that winter admissions increased by 11.007%, with winter admissions accounting for 55.503% of all admissions and summer admissions for 44.496%. The gender distribution stayed the same, with 54.59% of the population being male and 45.99% being female. Hospital stays were longer for summer admissions (16.428) than for winter admissions (11.285). Summertime saw a rise in electric burn cases (307 cases), with a 43 case fatality rate. With 1699 cases, flame burns predominated in the epidemiology of burns, followed by scald burns with 1384 cases. In conclusion, seasonal differences have a substantial impact on burn profiles, with winter seeing a marked rise in occurrences. Men are also more likely to sustain electric burns, particularly in the summer. Effective management and prevention techniques depend on an understanding of these patterns.

The Epidemiology and Outcomes of Perineal and Genital Burn Injury in Low- and Middle- Income Countries: A Global Burn Registry Study

IntroductionThe epidemiology, care, and outcomes of perineal and genital burns (PG) in high-income countries have been previously described, but an analysis of this topic in LMICs has yet to be performed. We use the World Health Organization’s Global Burn Registry to fill this gap. MethodsThe GBR was searched from inception to November 2023 to identify all burn patients, excluding cases from high-income countries. Demographics and mechanism of injury were retrieved. Primary outcomes were length of hospital stay (LOHS), surgical intervention, discharge with physical impairment, and mortality. A multivariate regression analysis was performed controlling for burnt total body surface area (TBSA), age, sex, inhalation injury, mechanism of burn and care center characteristics. ResultsOf 9041 patients identified, 1213 (13.4 %) had PG burns with 136 (1.6 %) isolated to the PG region. PG patients had higher TBSA (p < 0.001) and more inhalation injury (p < 0.001). They had better access to rehabilitation and lower access to theater space for burns (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that PG patients had longer LOHS (p = 0.001), greater mortality (p < 0.001), were less likely to undergo surgery (p = 0.01) or be discharged home with physical impairment (p = 0.03). ConclusionSimilarities and differences exist between high- and low/middle-income countries in terms of the patterns of injury, care, and recovery in patients with PG burns. The longer LOHS and higher mortality among PG patients, previously reported in high-income countries, are verified. This highlights the importance of greater vigilance when caring for such patients.

Insight on Pediatric Burn Morbidity and Mortality at a Tertiary Indian Burn Care Center: A Case For Burn Prevention.

Pediatric burns pose a significant health burden in LMICs. Despite efforts to address burn prevention and management, morbidity and mortality rates remain high, particularly among children. Understanding pediatric burn epidemiology and predictors of clinical outcomes is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and improving patient-care. This retrospective cohort study analyzed pediatric burn patients admitted to a tertiary burn-center in India, between March-2022 and December-2023. Demographic date, burn characteristics, treatments, complications and outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis, including logistic and linear regression, was conducted to identify predictors of mortality, sepsis, and hospital stay length. Among 332 pediatric burn patients, median age was 3 years, with a male predominance. Scald burns were the most common, followed by electrical and flame burns. Median total body surface area burned was 20%, with upper and lower extremities most affected. The incidence of electrical burns increased with age and was associated with a longer length of stay. Mortality rate was 14.2%, with age >10 years, male gender, and TBSA >30% predicting mortality. Complications like sepsis significantly increased mortality risk, while deep burns were associated with longer hospital stays. This study underscores importance of targeted prevention efforts and specialized care. Scald burns among young children highlight the need for safer cooking practices, while the high incidence of electrical burns in older children suggests age-specific education interventions are necessary. Predictors of mortality identified can guide risk assessment and resource allocation, emphasizing the importance of infection control and wound management strategies in improving outcomes.

Why do people get burned? Qualitative analysis of the causes of burns in a large survey of burn survivors

BackgroundUnderstanding the national epidemiology of burns is necessary for effective planning of prevention and treatment services. However, epidemiological studies of burns have often focused on short-term and retrospective investigations of a specific group of burned patients in Iran. Therefore, we conduct a comprehensive study from August 2016 to October 2017, in the Burn Research Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences on approximately 1700 hospitalized burn patients at Motahari Hospital to identify the underlying causes of burns. In this study, an open-ended question was asked about how the burn occurred in the patients. The current study was designed and conducted for the qualitatively analyzing of the responses to this question, using the content analysis method, in order to maximize its use in policymaking and prevention. MethodsContent analysis of written responses to open-ended questions was done as a part of a large questionnaire survey. This survey was conducted by face-to-face interview at a national referral center for burn injuries. ResultsAnswers from 1595 patients were coded and the underlying causes of injury were categorized into three themes and 43 subthemes. These underlying causes were lack of knowledge and awareness, inappropriate equipment, and inevitable accidents. The underlying cause of lack of knowledge and awareness had the highest proportion in causing burns in both men and women. The most common subthemes in descending order included lack of skills, dangerous actions, improper location of hot liquids, individual mistakes, and improper use of flammable materials. The top five subthemes with the highest average percentage of burn in patients in descending order were deficiency of residential equipment, self-immolation, accidents, inappropriate location of flammable materials, and unsafe kitchen appliances. ConclusionThe focus of prevention programs on educating and increasing awareness of individuals, preferably women, is suggested. Educational programs, tailored to occupational standards and workplace and household equipment, are recommended for men in work environments.

Epidemiology of burns in a humanitarian setting: A national study among refugees in Lebanon

IntroductionBurns represent one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide and disproportionately impact women, children, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Syrian refugees who fled conflict to land in overcrowded informal settlements across Lebanon are a particularly vulnerable population. This study aims to assess the etiology and risk factors for burns in this population. MethodsThis cross-sectional, cluster-based population study adopted the Surgeons Overseas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) version 3.0 to capture data from refugees residing in informal settlements in multiple regions across Lebanon. The tool was contextualized and used to collect detailed information on burn cases sustained by refugees during the last 12 months prior to data collection. Univariate logistic regression models were performed to assess the relationship between burns and associated risk factors. ResultsFrom the 1468 households surveyed, a total of 223 households experienced a burn in the last 12 months. Over 63% of burns occurred in children under the age of ten years and almost 57% of burns occurred in females. More than 70% of burns resulted from hot liquid, while 17% were caused by direct heat contact. Over 3/4ths of burns occurred while preparing food (77.4%). Approximately 32% of those burned did not seek healthcare, of which almost 85% noted the cause was mainly due to financial limitations. ConclusionBurns are a common injury in the Syrian refugee population living in Lebanon. Children and women are particularly impacted, often during cooking. Multi-level interventions are necessary to reduce burn injuries and improve care for those affected by burns. Community kitchens can be used to separate cooking and living environments and get stoves and hot liquids off the floor. Importantly, policies should allow for refugees to receive medical care when necessary without a major financial burden.

Epidemiology and perceptions of non-fatal burns among select youth (15–24 years old) from Peshawar Pakistan; a sequential explanatory mixed methods study

PurposeBurns are among the top five cause of unintentional injuries among youth. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of burns in select youth from Pakistan and also explored their perceptions about burns. MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted which comprised of two phases. Phase 1 consisted of a cross-sectional quantitative survey (QUAN) in which 550 vocational school youth (15 to 24 years-olds) filled out the WHO community survey tool for injuries and violence and provided data on burns in previous 12 months (2021–22). Phase 2 consisted of qualitative (QUAL), in-depth interviews (IDIs) with participants selected from Phase 1 based on the occurrence of burns. STATA™ version 15.1 was used for Phase 1 data analysis and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial regression was used for determining the Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) of burns. Thematic analysis was performed for in-depth interviews from Phase 2. ResultsOut of 547 participants, 356 (65%) were males while 191 (35%) were females. Burns were reported by 85 participants (15%). A total of 137 counts of burns were reported showing multiple burns by some participants. The IRR for burns among young females was 2.89 (1.78–4.69) compared to males in the previous 12 months (2021–22). Age, sex, father’s education, and combined family income were significant risk factors for burns in youth. Six IDIs were conducted with burn victims, two were males while six were females. Four cooking-related burns, and two occupational burns during vocational training were reported. Themes that emerged from IDIs were internal and external factors, personal carelessness and lack of knowledge and safety about burns. Two sub-themes that were significant for recovery from burns were family support and access to healthcare. ConclusionYoung females are at a higher risk of burn injuries in Pakistan. Various social, demographic, and behavioral risk factors are associated with burns. Pre-burn and post-burn interventions are needed for prevention from burns in youth.

Epidemiology of burns in the state of Minas Gerais. What has changed in a decade?

Epidemiology of burns in the state of Minas Gerais. What has changed in a decade?

Prevention of Burns

Burn injuries result in lifelong physical and psychological scarring, causing pain and influencing mental health, quality of life, ability to return to work and subsequent mortality. Although information on burn epidemiology is essential for resource allocation and prevention, the available data are variable and inconsistent. The majority of data are from high income countries and are directly related to access to health care resources, differences in environments and the resources of the various health-care systems. In lower income countries, fewer resources, geographical constraints and cost limit data collection and access to health care. Additionally, cultural factors such as open air cooking areas and loose clothing (for example, saris), domestic violence and dowry deaths contribute to regional variation. The various preventive stategies are adopted based on the epidemiology of burns.

No lockdown for pediatric burns

BackgroundThe health crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented situation in France: complete lockdown. The population had to live confined with their families, which often meant that parents telecommuted while caring for their children. However, daily risks remained more than ever at the forefront. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of burns among children during three different periods of family time: school time, vacation, and lockdown. MethodsA single-center retrospective study was conducted at Tours University Hospital. All pediatric surgical emergency room visits recorded from February 10, 2020 to March 31, 2020 were included. The three aforementioned periods were assessed. ResultsDuring lockdown there were significantly more burns compared to other injuries (p = 0.004). Preschool-age children suffered significantly more from burns during the same period (p = 0.029). There were no significant differences for nursery school (p = 0.522), primary school (p = 0.519), middle school (p = 0.613), and high school (p = N) children. ConclusionThis study underlines the need to establish a targeted prevention campaign geared toward a complicated geopolitical situation a pandemic that might occur again.

Pediatric Burns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Epidemiology, Gender Distribution, Risk Factors, Management, and Outcomes in Emergency Departments.

Pediatric burns pose a significant public health concern, ranking as the fifth most common nonfatal injury globally. This review consolidates data on the epidemiology, outcomes, and management of pediatric burns presenting to emergency departments. A systematic review was conducted across multiple databases, yielding 22 articles from 1992 to 2020. Utilizing the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) instrument, non-comparative studies scored from 2 to 11 with an average of 6.87, while comparative studies ranged from 12 to 16, averaging 13.67. The review included a total of 828,538 pediatric patients who were evaluated in the systematic review. Predominantly male victims ranged from 53% to 83%. The youngest victims were aged between 0 to 4 years. Burn etiology was largely attributed to scalds. A majority suffered from second-degree burns, with some studies reporting up to 89%. Limited data on total body surface area (TBSA) were documented, with only 2.5% requiring hospitalization. Common interventions included immediate resuscitation and skin grafting. Essential areas for future research are identified, including household risks, pre-treatment decisions, and the significant role of family dynamics in burn injury recovery. Pediatric burns remain a considerable concern, particularly among males and in household environments. The data underline the imperative for prevention strategies and optimized emergency care to positively influence outcomes for burn victims. Future research areas range from evaluating pre-treatment decisions to assessing community awareness regarding burn first aid.

Epidemiology and early bacterial colonization of minor and moderate pediatric burns: A retrospective study from a developing country

ObjectivesInfection is still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among burn patients worldwide. Isolation and identification of pediatric burn wound bacterial colonizers can prevent infection and improve burn trauma treatment. In this study, we explored early microbial colonizers within the burn wounds and the susceptibility of those isolates to antibiotics among hospitalized pediatric patients with minor and moderate burns, clinically significant infections and outcomes. MethodsA retrospective analysis of pediatric patients admitted to the inpatient pediatric surgical ward and treated for minor and moderate burns from 2009 to 2018 was performed. ResultsOne hundred six patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 3.6 ± three years (0.2–14.1 years). The most common type of burn was scald burns (82.1%). The mean TBSA of the hospitalized pediatric burn cases was 8.5% (IQR, 6–12%). Seventy-nine (74.5%) patients had positive wound cultures at admission, regardless of the hospital admission day. Fifty-eight (73.4%) had one bacterial growth (mono isolate), while 21 (26.6%) had mixed growth or poly isolates. Among patients with mixed growth or poly isolate, 16 had two bacteria, three had three bacteria, and one had four bacteria isolated, totaling 105 isolated microorganisms (14 different species, 70.5% Gram-positive bacteria and 29.5% Gram-negative bacteria). Twelve patients (11%) developed clinically significant infections (eleven got burn wound infection, and one had septicemia). All patients received prophylactic systemic antibiotics. Only 35.2% of the isolated bacteria from the wounds were sensitive to the prophylactic antibiotics, and only ∼17% in case of clinically significant infections. We found a statistically significant difference in the length of hospital stay between patients with initially colonized samples of burn wounds compared with patients with initial negative samples (p = 0.008). All patients in the cohort survived hospital discharge. ConclusionDespite common bacterial colonization of acute burn wounds, only ∼10% of the patients developed clinically significant infections, a minority of which were sensitive to prophylactic antibiotics. Our findings indicate the need to refine the antibiotic approach in pediatric patients with minor/moderate burns in our local setting.

Burns among adults in a major Malawian burn unit: epidemiology and factors associated with prolonged hospital stay.

This study sought to describe the epidemiology of burns and factors associated with prolonged hospital stay among adult patients admitted in the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital burns unit. All files of patients aged at least 17 years and admitted in the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital burns unit between 1 June 2007 and 31 May 2017 with acute burns, were reviewed. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, injuries sustained, comorbidities, length of hospital stay, and clinical outcomes were extracted from the files. Summary statistics, independent sample T-test, and odds ratios were computed to determine the distribution and associations of the variables collected. A total of 515 patient files, all from rural or informal urban settlements, were reviewed. The median age at the time of presentation was 32 years (IQR: 25-45), and 52% (n=279) were male. Most of the burns occurred at home (81.0%; n=379), were of flame etiology (75.7%; n=385), and were reported to have been accidental (94.7%, n=445). The mean monthly rate of new burn injury patients was highest in the cool-dry season, and epileptic seizures were a common precedent of burn injury (30.7%; n=158). Most (62.7%) of the patients with recorded burn sites sustained multiple burns injuries, and more than half of the patients had upper and lower limb burns (64.6% & 59.5% respectively). Thirty patients sustained additional non-burn injuries, and 26.4% (n=132) of all patients with recorded outcomes died in the hospital. The data on burn injuries among adults presenting at the QECH burns unit suggests the existence of socio-economic inequalities associated with burn incidence. There is also a need for improvement in the quality and uptake of epilepsy care in primary care facilities.

Global epidemiology of geriatric burns, capacities of care, and injury outcomes: Perspectives from the World Health Organization global burn registry

BackgroundAn increasing aging population alongside a potentially increasing injury risk emphasizes a critical need for evidence-based burn care regarding preventive and therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique needs of older adults. However, we note a critical gap in understanding geriatric burn trends on a global scale and the care capacity across settings. Thus, this study sought to ascertain the global trend of geriatric burns with a focus on patient demographics, injury characteristics, capacities of care, and injury outcomes. MethodsA retrospective design focusing on older adults aged ≥ 60 years with burns recorded in the World Health Organization Global Burn Registry as of 31st May 2023 was employed. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data. ResultsOf the 9277 records obtained from the Global Burn Registry, 849 participants (9.2%) were aged ≥ 60 years with the majority of these reported from the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) and Southeast Asia (SEARO) regions. More females than males were involved in burn injuries with the most common aetiological factor being flame. Most burns occurred in the home/ domestic setting with a seasonal variation (more injuries occurred in December and January). In terms of burn care capacity, the data suggest the availability of specialized services in most settings albeit the AFRO and SEARO regions still lacked the resources to offer specialized burn care. While most injured older adults were discharged home with no physical impairment (395, 46.5%), a substantial number died (250, 29.4%) during hospitalization, particularly in the African (AFRO) region and 111 (11.1%) left the facility against medical advice with the majority from the SEARO region (88). ConclusionBurn injuries in older adults remain a public health issue. On the preventive aspect, the results demonstrate a need to intensify safety in the home or domestic setting, and during festive seasons. Therapeutically, the findings underscore a need to consider the inclusion of more specialist geriatric and palliative care services in the burn management process. Additionally, we identified a need to strengthen burn care capacity in the AFRO and SEARO regions.

Current Trend in the Epidemiology of Thermal Burn Injury at a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Nigeria.

Worldwide, thermal burn is the leading etiological type of burn injury accounting for 86% of burn injuries requiring admissions. Flame, Scald, and contact burn are the leading causes of thermal burn. Changes in the sociodemographic characteristics of societies have led to alterations in the epidemiology of burn. An understanding of such changes in the epidemiology of burn is essential in formulating and executing adequate burn prevention programs. We sought to establish the current trend in the etiology, gender distribution, age, occurrence of inhalation injury, burn surface area, burn depth, and mortality rate of thermal burns at Ibadan. This was a retrospective study carried out between January 2013 and December 2022. Thermal burns constitute 92% of burn injuries. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. There were 265 (45%) patients in the pediatric age group and 323 adults (55% of the patients). The proportion of flame, scald, and contact burns were 378 (58%), 203 (32%), and 14 (2%), respectively. Flame burns resulting from liquified petroleum gas (LPG) explosion show a rising trend, with a decline in flame burns from kerosene (P < .001). One hundred and ninety (32%) patients had inhalation injury. The overall mortality was 19% (N = 114). Kerosene flame, 38% (17 of 45 patients), and LPG, 32% (41 of 130 patients), were the most lethal causes of flame injuries (P < .043). The study shows the increasing contribution of LPG to the etiology of thermal burn injuries. Burn prevention programs should target safe use of LPG stoves and cylinders.

The epidemiology of burns in a tertiary care center of Rajasthan

Background: The aim of the present study is to determine the epidemiological pattern and outcome of burn injuries in a tertiary care centre of Rajasthan so that effective evidence based burn prevention programs can be generated and strong burn emergency health system can be established. Methods: This study includes retrospective data analysis of patients conducted over 2 years from January 2020 to December 2021 at burns and plastic surgery department of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital Jaipur situated in Rajasthan. Results: Total patients managed in SMS hospital were 2007 in 2 years. 65% were males and 35% were females. Most commonly affected age group was 25-39 years with 29% patients. Flame burns was most common mode with 49.6% cases among all age groups and both genders. Median TBSA was 35% as per this study. 37% patients were operated in same admission and definitive reconstruction was done. Mortality was there in 26.7% cases. Conclusions: Our study addresses the need of not only increasing the expenditure over prevention and education programs but also developing resources to improve the survival of burn patients in Rajasthan state. This study may contribute to establishment of strong infrastructure to prevent and treat severe burn injuries.