Patterns of Burn Injuries in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: a 5-year Retrospective Study, Mekelle, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Burn injuries constitute major public health problems and are the leading cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is paucity of published data on burn injuries in the country, particularly in the study area. The aim of this study is to describe the pattern and evaluate the management outcomes in our local area.
Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the patterns of burn injuries in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study is done on charts of patients admitted with burn injury to Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Department of Surgery, Burn Unit, from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014. Data were obtained from medical records using pretested structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Results: A total of 450 burn records were analyzed. The mean (± SD) age was 15.78 (±13.06) years ranging from 4 months to 78 years. Males 298(66.2%) were mainly affected than females 152(33.8%), giving to a male to female ratio of 2:1. Children aged 0-10 years were the majority accounting for 206(45.8%). Scald was the most common cause of burn injury 226(50.2%), followed by electrical 140(31.1%) and flame burns 82(18.2%). Majority of patients 409(90.9%) sustained second-degree burn and most accidents occurred at home 251(55.8%). Conservative treatment was given to 285(63.3%). Skin grafts and flaps were done for 45(10.0%) cases and different levels of amputations were performed in 23(5.1%) patients. Most 360(80.0%) of the patients were discharged improve, 56(12.4%) went against medical advice and 27(6.0%) patients died.
Conclusion: Burn injuries, particularly electrical burns, remain a menace in our environment with unacceptable morbidity, devastating disabilities and mortality. The indications for IV antibiotics also require investigation to avoid unnecessary administration and subsequent drug resistance. There is a need for critical appraisal of the preventive measures and management principles currently being practiced.