Correlation of pattern of burns with morbidity and mortality - one year cross-sectional study

Burns have been the most important cause of concern for man from the prehistoric days to the present era of modern medicine. Present day statistics showing the increasing incidence of fire related morbidity and mortality indicate that we have not yet learnt to control it. Burns continue to be responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing countries. Present cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the correlation of pattern of burns with morbidity and mortality. In this study, incidence of burns was more in females; majority of victims were in the age group 31–40 years; maximum number of cases were due to dry heat with most common agent being flame; majority of victims had TBSA between 10–19%; more than half of the victims had superficial burns and mortality rate was 13%. In all the fatal cases the cause of burns was dry heat and majority of victims had deep burns. Residual disability was seen in 19% of victims and full recovery in 68% of victims. Incidence of occurrence of infection, systemic complications, contracture and permanent disfiguration of head and/or face was more in burns due to dry and deep burns.