The Role Of Comorbidities On Outcome Prediction In Acute Burn Patients

Burn trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. None of the currently available formulas for mortality prediction take into account the impact of comorbidities on burn patients' outcome. In this study, we evaluate the impact of comorbidities on in-hospital mortality and prolonged length of hospital stay (≥30 days). A retrospective analysis of burn patients' medical records, over a 5-year period, was undertaken. A total of 677 patients were included. The mortality rate was 6.5%. Deceased patients and survivors with length of hospital stay (LOS) of 30 or more days were significantly older, had larger %TBSA burned, were more likely to have inhalation injury and comorbidities, and had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores. On the multivariate logistic regression models, age, %TBSA burned, CCI score and the presence of inhalation injury were independently associated with mortality and prolonged LOS. In conclusion, the authors suggest that the inclusion of comorbidities should be considered on burn admission scores in an attempt to better predict burn mortality.