Factors Associated With Early Versus Late Mortality Following Pediatric Burn Injury in a Resource-Limited Setting

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Burn Care
• Global Health Disparities
• Trauma Research

Background:

• Burn survival rates have improved in high-income countries (HICs) but remain high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Previous research on burn mortality in HICs focused on late deaths and factors like burn severity and inhalation injury.
• This study specifically investigates the characteristics of early versus late burn deaths in LMICs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the factors influencing early mortality in pediatric burn patients in a low-resource setting.
• To identify critical interventions for improving survival rates in burn injuries within LMICs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients admitted to the Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) burn unit in Malawi.
• Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with early mortality (death within 3 days).

Main Results:

• Out of 2315 patients, 397 (17.1%) died, with 109 (27.4%) classified as early deaths.
• Inadequate fluid resuscitation within 24 hours of injury was significantly associated with increased early mortality (aOR 2.96).
• Mortality showed a significant decrease with a longer length of stay in the burn unit.

Conclusions:

• Adequate fluid resuscitation within 24 hours is a crucial factor in improving survival for pediatric burn patients.
• Targeted treatment protocols focusing on timely resuscitation are essential for mitigating early mortality in resource-limited settings.