Preexisting Conditions Influence Length of Stay in Burn Patients: Population-Based Retrospective Review

BackgroundAge, total body surface area (TBSA), burn location, and inhalation injury are predictors of outcomes in burn patients. Preexisting conditions (PECs) impact the care and length of stay of burn patients. Limited knowledge is documented on how PECs impact length of stay beyond the traditional severity metrics in burn patients at the national level. Our purpose is to examine the relationship between PECs' status and length of stay (LOS) in the hospital (H) and intensive care unit (ICU) in this population, while controlling for traditional severity metrics.MethodsThe National Burn Database Bank was used to identify adult patients (age ≥18) admitted for second- or third-degree burns from 2020 through 2022. Multivariate analysis was conducted, controlling for age, body region of burn, burn etiology, and inhalation injury. Statistical significance was defined as <i>P</i> < 0.05.ResultsWe identified 19 953 patients, of whom 13 999 (70.16%) were male, and the mean age was 48 years. The PECs associated with increased H-LOS were mental/personality disorder (6.34 days), substance abuse disorder (4.74 days), alcohol use disorder (2.96 days), or diabetes mellitus (1.59 days). The PECs associated with increased ICU-LOS were obesity (1.14 days), or diabetes mellitus (1.13 days) (<i>P</i> < 0.05 for all).ConclusionPreexisting conditions contribute to extended length of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit. Incorporating systematic preexisting conditions' screening and targeted inpatient strategies, such as early mental health support, substance use interventions, and chronic disease optimization may improve care efficiency and reduce length of stay.