Demographics, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Facial Burns: A Retrospective Study at Tripoli’s Centre for Burn and Plastic Surgery (2022–2023)

Export Objective: Facial burns pose a significant challenge in burn and plastic surgery, often leading to severe complications and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the demographics, causes, and outcomes of ICU facial burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the ICU department of Tripoli Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre in a tertiary burn hospital. The study included 197 facial burn casualties admitted to the ICU unit of Tripoli Burn and Plastic Surgery from December 2022 until December 2023. Medical records were analyzed to collect relevant information. SPSS 25 was used to perform measurements of central tendency and dispersion. Analytical tests were performed and were considered significant at (P < 0.01). Results: The average age of the patients was 24.6 years (SD 17 years). The most common cause of burn was Benzene fire 62.4%. Scalding was more common in the pediatrics (younger than 10 years). Benzene burns caused significantly higher TBSA (total body surface area), and inhalational injuries (P < 0.01). Shock was the most common early complication (53%). Pneumonia was associated with benzene burn (P < 0.01). TBSA of 42% was a strong predictor of mortality (AUC=0.84). Mortality was higher among men (P < 0.01), and foreigners had a higher mortality rate compared to Libyans (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Benzene was considered as the leading cause of ICU admission in young adult men. Scalding burns were more common in children, and the elderly population exhibited lower burn rates compared to other regions. Benzene burns were linked to higher TBSA and mortality. TBSA correlated with complications. Public health interventions targeting unsafe storage practices and burn prevention are warranted.