A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF BURN PATIENTS IN HOSPITAL SULTANAH NUR ZAHIRAH, MALAYSIA (2015-2020)

Received 2022-12-16; Accepted 2022-04-19; Published 2023-08-23

Abstract

Introduction: A retrospective review of all burn patients admitted to the Burn Unit between 2015 -2020. To determine the demographics, causes, total body surface area (TBSA), length of hospital stay and their relationship with TBSA, percentage of patients requiring surgery, mortality and its causes, and the relationship of inhalational injury to mortality of burn patients in Terengganu over six years.

Materials and methods: A descriptive study. Data were collected through the Hospital Information System (HIS). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics V21.0.

Results: A total of 805 patients were admitted to the Burn Unit between 2015 -2020, with an average of 134 individuals annually. Minor burns accounted for 591 cases, moderate burns for 131 cases and 83 patients suffered major burns. Children were the most affected, accounting for 63% of all BI cases. The mean age for paediatric patients was 3.78, while for adults, the mean age was 36.7. The male-to-female ratio, irrespective of age group, was 1.67. The most typical BI causes were scalds. The average length of stay was 15 days, during which a 1.6% mortality rate was recorded. Inhalational injury was strongly linked to death. According to Fisher’s exact test, TBSA in BI and length of stay were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). Surgery was needed in 29% of children and 46.5% of adults.

Conclusions: The significant incidence of burn injury in this study suggests that raising awareness and increasing education by the authorities is a critical prevention initiative.