The Magnitude, Clinical Presentation and Consequences of Patients with Burn Injuries Admitted to Tertiary Care Hospital, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka: A Prospective Analysis

Abstract

This prospective analysis is based on clinical forensic examinations and clinical case records of the victims who sustained burns and were admitted during a one-year period since 2017.
Of the 90 patients (34 children and 56 adults), 54 % were male with ages ranging from 1 month to 80 years. Males below the age of 20 years (48 %) were highly vulnerable. Education status revealed that most of the patients have an education level below O/L representing 52 % (Ordinary Level/ O/L is similar to the General Certificate of Secondary Education/ GCSE in Cambridge Education System in United Kingdom) and the majority were married (52%). Scalds were seen in 52 %, while flame burns in 28 % cases. Most of the incidents had taken place at home (92%). Burn injuries were most frequently observed on upper extremities (47 %) and the majority were of first degree in nature. Furthermore, this study revealed that 57 % recovered without any complications, while 34 % resulted in scarring or disfigurement.
It was highlighted that children are the most vulnerable to in sustaining burns, especially with hot water in domestic settings. The study recommends increasing awareness among parents/guardians regarding safe handling of hot water to minimize such incidents.