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Chemical burns: retrospective review
R A Sykes1, M M Mani, J M Hiebert
1University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Prompt treatment for chemical burns significantly impacts patient outcomes. Immediate, adequate management reduces the need for skin grafting and lowers mortality rates compared to delayed or inappropriate care.
Area of Science:
- Chemical burn management
- Trauma and injury research
Background:
- Chemical burns are a significant cause of injury, particularly in working-age adults.
- Understanding the demographics and causes of chemical burns is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographics, injury mechanisms, and treatment outcomes of chemical burn patients.
- To compare the outcomes of adequate versus inadequate initial management of chemical burns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 51 chemical burn patient records.
- Classification of treatment as adequate (immediate dilution/neutralization) or inadequate (delayed/inappropriate).
- Analysis of demographics, injury causes, management, and treatment outcomes including skin grafting and mortality.
Main Results:
- The 21-50 age group accounted for 79% of chemical burns, with work-related injuries prevalent in men (69%) and women (17%).
- Adequate initial treatment (Group A) resulted in 19% requiring skin grafting and 9.5% mortality, versus 36% grafting and 21% mortality in inadequate treatment (Group B).
- Alkali burns were most common, followed by sulfuric acid, gasoline, anhydrous ammonia, white phosphorus, and hydrofluoric acid.
Conclusions:
- Timely and appropriate initial management of chemical burns is critical for improving patient outcomes.
- Inadequate treatment of chemical burns leads to increased need for skin grafting and higher mortality rates.
- Alkali and sulfuric acid are leading causes of chemical burns, necessitating specific preventative and treatment strategies.