1Dept of Pathology, JNMC, Belgaum
2Dept. of Community Medicine, BIMS, Belgaum1
3Dept. of Forensic Medicine, BIMS, Belgaum
4Dept. of Forensic Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE's University, Nehru nagar, Belgaum-590010, Karnataka
Online published on 24 February, 2012.
Despite many medical advances, burns continue to remain a challenging problem due to lack of infrastructure and trained professionals as well as increased cost of treatment, all of which have an impact on the outcome.
What is the incidence of burn deaths in Belgaum, Karnataka? What are the various factors influencing it?
All burn deaths autopsied at mortuary, District Hospital, under the forensic medicine department, BIMS, Belgaum from March 2010 to February 2011 form the material for the study.
During this period, out of 735 cases, 112 were deaths due to burns. The commonest age group of victims was between 21–30 years with female preponderance. Most of the victims sustained injury from flames. Majority of victims had burns more than 80% of the total body surface area. Maximum survival period of the victims was between 3–7 days. 66.1% deaths were accidental deaths and septicemia was the main cause of death.
Burn injuries is a major public health concern and is associated with significantly high mortality. Majority of the burns were caused by domestic accidents and are therefore preventable by adequate safety measures and health education.
Burns, Deaths, Autopsy, Accidents, Septicemia
