The increasing trend in alcohol-related burns: it's impact on a tertiary burn centre

The incidence of alcohol-related hospital admissions is a worldwide problem and currently costs the UK National Health Service approximately 4% of its annual budget. 40% of men and 22% of women drink over the recommended UK weekly allowance. The purpose of our study was to examine the trend in alcohol-related admissions to a tertiary burns unit over a 5-year period.

All patients admitted were documented for alcohol-related burn, and history of alcohol dependence.

1293 patients admitted between 2003 and 2008 were included in the study. The number of alcohol-related burns were as follows: 2003: 6%; 2004: 10%; 2005: 16%; 2006: 9%; 2007: 19%; 2008: 19%. This increasing trend was highly significant (p<0.0001). Alcohol-related burns had a higher incidence of flame injury (60%) and a subsequent longer length of stay (12.5 vs. 7.9, p=0.04). Alcohol dependence was noted in 54% of all alcohol-related burns and in 5% of the non-alcohol-related burns.

The number of alcohol-related burns admitted to a tertiary burn unit is increasing and now comprises of nearly 20% of all admissions. This highlights the growing burden of alcohol on health and the need to address it at both a national and regional level.