European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BURNS IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN TAMILNADU- A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATION STUDY

Bagavad, J. A. Jayalal Selwyn J. kumar

ABSTRACT

In spite of technical advances and molecular biological studies, burns continue to challenge the avenues of full proof treatment and infrastructure in terms of accessibility and affordability. Lack of committed and qualified experts and exorbitant cost due to the need for continuous care make their treatment modalities not at the reach of every one. Burn invokes an extremely traumatic experience for both the burn sufferers and also their dear relatives. In country like India, where there is large numbers of patients are presenting with burns, yet no significant epidemiological data are present. However these data are more vital for planning and understanding magnitude of the impact, incidence, measures of preventive methods and improve in the treatment modalities. This retrospective observation study is carried out in Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital in Tamilnadu, with all the burns patients admitted for 3 years 2013 January to 2016 December comprising 410 patients. The pre demographic profile, cause for the burns, treatment option, outcome were tabulated and analyzed. The percentage of burns, co-morbid conditions, and cause for treatment failure were analyzed. In our study among the 410 patients studied 256 (61%) are male and 154(39%) are female. Thermal injury is the most common cause of burns (79%) and followed by electrical burns 20% and others one percentage. 61% of injuries occurred in the home and 26% at work place and 12% in the street. 78% of injuries are accidental, 20% suicidal and 2% homicidal. People with <20% Total surface area burns survived. But 60-80% burns 96% and >80% burns 100% suffered mortality. Septicemia and hypovolemic shock are the major cause of death. Safety precaution, first aid education and accessibility of priority care are essential to reduce the mortality and morbidity.

Keywords: BURNS. THERMAL, ACCIDENTAL, SEPTICAEMIA, HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK.