Morbidity and Survival Probability in Burn Patients

Burn constitutes a major public health problem, especially in low or middle-income countries where over 95% of all burn deaths occur. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 1,95,000 deaths every year are caused by burns, the vast majority occur in low and middle-income countries. The present medico-legal study aimed to assess the cause of death and rate of survival related to different types of burn injuries. This autopsy-based descriptive study was carried out at the mortuary of People’s College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (PCMS & RC), Bhopal, and Medico-legal Institute, Bhopal. Statistical analysis was done using chi-squared, Student’s t-test, and Kaplan-Meier for survival where applicable. Primary causes of death were reviewed from 125 autopsy reports. Percentages of patients that died from sepsis, hypovolemic shock or multi-organ failure were calculated by comparing to the total number of deaths. The period of Survival and Extent of Burns in burn victims is compared. Eight (6.4%) victims survived more than 10 days after sustaining burns, among them four victims having TBSA 50%–70%. Septicaemia is the leading cause of death after burn injury. Period of Survival was higher in 50%–70% of burn victims.