The first 1000 patients treated in Kuopio University Hospital Burn Unit in Finland

An epidemiological study on burn patients treated in a Finnish burn center has not been published before in international literature. This study reports the results of a retrospective study on the first 1000 patients treated in Kuopio University Hospital Burn Unit (KBU) in Finland.

First consecutive 1000 patients treated in KBU January 1994-April 2006.

The incidence of burns treated in our burn center was 6.8 patients/100,000/year. The median (iq-range) age of patients increased by 10 years during the study period to 39 (13-54) years. The median TBSA was 3.5 (1.5-10)% and 78% of burns were smaller than 10%. The male:female ratio was 2.64:1 and it also increased during the study period. Female predominance was found only in >80 years old patients. Most burns were scalds (34%) but flame was the major etiological factor in ICU and lethal burns. Every fourth burn occurred in a sauna. Inhalation injury was diagnosed in 2.7% of patients. Most patients (60%) underwent surgical therapy and 14.3% needed intensive care. The hospital stay was 1.4%/TBSA. The overall mortality was 4% but only 2.4% in those patients who were treated actively.

The median age and male predominance have increased during the study period. Every fourth burn is sauna-related therefore a target for prevention strategies.