Clinical Outcomes Among Elderly People With Burns.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Burn Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Burns represent a significant public health issue for the elderly population.
• Understanding the specific challenges and outcomes for older burn patients is crucial for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causes, clinical features, and factors influencing outcomes in elderly patients with burns.
• To identify independent risk factors for mortality and prolonged hospital stays in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of elderly patients (65+ years) admitted to a major burn unit from 2006 to 2016.
• Evaluation of demographic data, clinical characteristics, burn details, comorbidities, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• The study included 130 elderly patients, with a majority being female (56.2%) and the highest incidence in the 75-84 age group.
• Flame burns were predominant, occurring more frequently in winter (50%). The overall mortality rate was 32.3%.
• Independent risk factors for mortality included advanced age, larger burn area, need for escharotomy, and cardiac disease. For survivors, factors associated with longer hospital stays included pressure sores, skin grafts, larger burn extent, full-thickness burns, and cardiac disease.

Conclusions:

• Preventive strategies should focus on women aged 75-84 years, addressing the higher incidence of flame burns during winter.
• Prognosis is significantly influenced by age, burn severity, the need for escharotomy, and the presence of cardiac comorbidities.