Burn injuries in Zaria: a one year prospective study

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Burn injuries represent a significant public health concern, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
• Understanding the epidemiology of burn injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively analyze the characteristics, causes, complications, and outcomes of burn injuries in admitted patients.
• To identify common burn types and causative agents across different age groups.
• To determine the incidence of burn wound sepsis and associated microbial profiles.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 53 patients admitted for burn care over a 12-month period.
• Data collection included patient demographics, burn etiology, injury severity (mean % BSA), complications, and hospital stay duration.
• Microbiological analysis was performed to identify causative agents of burn wound sepsis.

Main Results:

• The study included 53 patients (60% male, 40% female), with 40% aged 0-4 years. Scalds were most common in young children (70%), while flame burns affected 33% of those 16 and older.
• Clothing fires, kerosene, gas, and clothing burns resulted in the most extensive injuries (mean % BSA 45-46).
• Burn wound sepsis, primarily by gram-negative bacilli (65.63%), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus being frequent, complicated patient recovery. Mean hospital stay was 46.52 days, and the mortality rate was 17%.

Conclusions:

• Burn injuries exhibit distinct etiological patterns across different age groups, necessitating targeted prevention efforts.
• Burn wound sepsis is a major complication, highlighting the need for robust infection control measures.
• Addressing social, cultural, and economic factors is essential for effective burn injury prevention and reduction of mortality.