Burn Injuries in a Tertiary Hospital setting: Risk Factors and Outcomes

Background: Burn injuries constitute a major cause of trauma-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Aim: To identify the risk factors and clinical outcomes of burn injuries managed at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all burn patients managed by the Plastic Surgery Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), a tertiary referral centre located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South-South Nigeria from 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2023 to assess the risk factors and outcomes. Data on demographics, burn aetiology, severity, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 703 burn patients were admitted, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. The younger age groups were mostly affected. Majority of burn injuries occurred in individuals from low and middle-income settings. The most common causes were kerosine burns, petrol burns and gas burns. Flame burns were the most common aetiology (76.6%), followed by scalds (11.7%), electrical burns (4.6%), and chemical burns (1.5%). The mortality rate was 39.2% and increased with the total burn surface area. Conclusion: Burn injuries are common. The younger age group are commonly affected. There was a male preponderance. Majority of burn injuries occurred in individuals from low and middle-income settings. The most common causes were kerosine burns, petrol burns and gas burns. Flame burns were the most common followed by scalds. The mortality rate was 39.2% and it increased with the total burn surface area.