Epidemiology and Prognosis of Burns in the Elderly: Study of 100 Cases

Elderly burn patients represent a vulnerable population with high mortality rates. Despite advances in burn care, age remains a significant predictor of poor outcomes. This study aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality in elderly burn patients admitted to the dedicated ICU in Tunisia. A retrospective observational study was conducted over 30 months (January 2020 - June 2023). The study included patients aged 65 or older with burn-related ICU admissions. Data on demographics, burn characteristics, co-morbidities, treatment and outcomes were analysed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified predictors of mortality. One hundred out of 1,519 patients (6.5%) were aged over 65 (mean 77 years). Most burns were due to flames (82%), in a domestic setting (96%). The mean total burned surface area (TBSA) was 24% and 45% of the patients required mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate was 46% and significant predictors of death were age ≥69.5 (p = 0.045, Se = 84.8%, Sp = 74%), TBSA ≥19.5% (p <0.001, Se = 74%, Sp = 85%), need for mechanical ventilation (p <0.001), renal failure (p <0.001) and sepsis (p <0.001). Elderly burn patients have a high risk of mortality, particularly those with larger TBSA, requiring ventilation, developing sepsis or renal failure. These findings highlight the need for specialized burn care and prevention strategies tailored to the elderly population, considering their unique clinical challenges and higher susceptibility to severe outcomes.