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Burn mortality during 1982 to 1997 in Kuwait.
R L Bang1, P N Sharma, R K Gang
1AI-Babtain Centre for Plastic Surgery & Burns, Ibn Sina Hospital, Kuwait. rameshwar@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw
European Journal of Epidemiology
|January 6, 2001
Summary
Burn injuries in Kuwait resulted in a 6.4% mortality rate, with young children and adults aged 16-35 being most vulnerable. Septicemia was the leading cause of death, though care improvements lowered mortality over time.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Burn injuries represent a significant public health concern globally.
- Understanding the epidemiology of burn injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the mortality patterns and risk factors associated with burn injuries in Kuwait.
- To identify the primary causes of death and demographic vulnerabilities in burn patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 3680 burn patients treated between January 1982 and December 1997 in Kuwait.
- Data collected included patient demographics, burn characteristics, injury mechanisms, pre-existing conditions, and causes of death.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality rate was 6.4% (234 deaths).
- Vulnerable age groups were 0-5 years (16.7% mortality) and 16-35 years (46.6% mortality).
- Flame burns (92.3%) from domestic accidents (81.2%) were most common. Septicemia (51.3%) and renal failure (35.5%) were leading causes of death. Mortality decreased to 4.4% in the last four years.
Conclusions:
- Young age, domestic flame burns, inhalation injury, and pre-existing diseases are significant risk factors for burn mortality.
- Septicemia remains the predominant cause of death in burn patients.
- Improvements in burn care have led to a significant reduction in mortality rates.