Profile of burn cases at government medical college and hospital, Chandigarh

Despite the great advances in the treatment of Burns Cases, they remain one of the most distressing injuries for any patient and amongst the most challenging ones for the medical care giver. A prospective study was conducted to assess the causes, magnitude and profile of burns cases coming to Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh. During the one year study period a total of 116 cases of burns were admitted, with the overall male to female ratio of 1:1.42. Forty-six percent cases were seen in the 21–30 years age group, 48% were from the rural and urban background, each; 90% females were married. Maximum number of cases in females, 14 (21%), occurred in February, and of males 9 (19%) in November. Maximum cases in males (11; 23%) were in 31–40% TBSA, and in females (27; 23%) in >80% TBSA. Ninety-two percent cases suffered accidental burns, and the peak time of incidence was 6.00–9.00 pm, Kitchen (71%) was the most common place where these burn injuries were suffered especially among the female patients (81%).