Home Oxygen Therapy in Burn Patients: A Single-Center Five-Year Analysis

Home oxygen therapy (HOT) is a common treatment for chronic pulmonary diseases, yet many patients on HOT are current or former smokers, increasing their risk for burn injuries. A prior national review (2002-2011) highlighted a significant rise in HOT-related burns. To understand this trend, we conducted a retrospective review of all burn patients admitted to our tertiary burn center from 2019 to 2023. Of all burn patients admitted, 2% (52 patients) had documented HOT use. Among the patients on HOT admitted for burns, 30 (57.7%) sustained burns directly related to HOT. Of these 30 HOT-related burns, 26 (87%) were attributed to cigarette smoking. HOT-related burns accounted for 1.1% of all burn admissions. Patients with HOT related burns were older, had more comorbidities, and were more likely to present with facial burns, inhalation injuries, and prolonged hospitalizations. Patients on HOT who sustained burns had a significantly higher mortality risk, with an odds ratio of 5.9 compared to non-HOT burn patients. Active smoking was identified as the primary risk factor for HOT-related burns. Despite smoking cessation being the ultimate goal for patients on HOT, many still continue to smoke. Targeted education on burn prevention and safety measures for active smokers on HOT is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality. This study underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols and patient education to mitigate the risks associated with HOT, particularly among those who continue to smoke. Further research is warranted to develop and implement effective interventions to improve outcomes for this vulnerable patient population.