A review of the trends of self-inflicted burns

During 1979-1998, 7139 patients were admitted to the Birmingham Burns Centre. Of these, 184 patients were identified with self-inflicted burns. There were 115 males and 69 females. The mean age was 37.4 +/- 14.6 years and mean size of burn was 41.1 +/- 31.3% of total body surface area (TBSA). The yearly admissions of these burns appeared to show a decline, while their percentage as compared to burn admission from other causes showed a rise in the trend. Statistically, however, these trends were not different from zero. During the studied period, there were 446 deaths, of which 81 (18%) were due to self-inflicted burns. The mortality in the self-inflicted burn patients was therefore 44%. The average size of burn in those who died was 67% TBSA, while in those who survived was 21% TBSA. The observed mortality when compared with expected mortality, as derived from mortality probability chart, showed that the self-inflicted group had the same risk of dying as burns from other causes. The methods of burning were not available in 16 patients. In the remaining, self-immolation with an accelerant was the most preferred method followed by ignition of clothing without an accelerant (98 and 37 patients, respectively). In conclusion, self-inflicted burns remain a regular cause of admission to burn units. The extent of their burn is often large, because a majority use an accelerant, and thus, accounts for the high mortality in this group.