Inhalation injury by paraffin flames (an African experience)

The paraffin flames predominate over all the aethiological agents of inhalation injury in South Africa. During the period of 16 months (from April 1992 to July 1993) we admitted 104 patients with inhalation injury by paraffin flames and we classified this type of injury into four main categories: a) patients with definite smoke inhalation injury but showing no respiratory insufficiency within the first 24 hours post burn, b) patients with developing respiratory insufficiency within the first 24 hours post burn, c) patients presenting intense symptoms on arrival, d) patients dying on arrival or very soon after. Tracheostomy was done if it was not possible to extubate within a period of 6 days after the injury. Bronchoscopy as well as chest X-ray examination, blood gases analysis, histological and cytological findings of sputum were performed in all patients. Authors evaluate also first experience with Bivona Fome Cuf Silicone Tracheostomy Tube.