Burns: frequency and mortality related to various age groups

ABSTRACT

To find out frequency of burns injury and mortality related to it in different age groups and their association with various types and degree of burns. Descriptive study. From July 1999 to April 2008, at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Patients of all ages and both sexes received in emergency room with burns injuries whether admitted or managed on outpatient basis were included in the study. A total 248 patients were received during the study period. Majority [n-109 - 43.96%] had sustained flame burns followed by scalds [n-89 - 35.89%]. Most of the patients were in the 1st and 2nd decade of life [n-70 - 28.23% and n-68 - 27.42% respectively]. The percentage of total body surface area involved was up to 10 percent in 77- 31.04% and between 11-20 percent in 55 -22.17%. Eleven [4.43%] patients had more than 90% total body surface area burns. Fifty two patients [20.96%] died with 100% mortality in more than 70% and none in less than 30% of total body surface area burns. Mortality was high in flame burns [n-41 - 16.53%]. Sepsis was the common cause of death [75%] followed by irreversible shock [13.46%]. Mortality was high in flame burns and hot liquid burns