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Self-inflicted burns, outcome and cost
1Regional Burns Unit, University Hospital Birmingham, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham B29 6JD, United Kingdom. mrnadir@hotmail.com
Summary
Self-inflicted burns are a significant workload for burn units, often linked to psychiatric and social issues. Improved support can reduce recurrence and healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Burn Injury Research
- Psychiatric Comorbidity
- Public Health
Background:
- Self-inflicted burns are a small fraction of burn unit admissions but represent a substantial clinical burden.
- These injuries often correlate with significant psychiatric and socioeconomic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted with self-inflicted burns.
- To identify factors contributing to self-inflicted burn injuries and inform support strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of burn admissions between 1998 and 2002.
- Data collection included patient demographics, injury details, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 56 out of 1656 burn admissions were self-inflicted.
- 46 patients had a history of psychiatric illness, and 22 were unemployed.
- Mean total body surface area (TBSA) was 27%, with a 25% mortality rate and 39% requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
- 29% of patients re-self-harmed upon discharge.
Conclusions:
- Self-inflicted burns are associated with poorer outcomes compared to other burn injuries.
- Enhanced psychiatric and social support are crucial for reducing the incidence and recurrence of self-harming behaviors, thereby lowering burn care costs.