Epidemiologic characteristics of death by burn injury from 2000 to 2009 in Colombia, South America: a population-based study

Abstract

BackgroundBurns are one of the most severe traumas that an individual can suffer. The World Health Organization (WHO) affirms that injuries related to burns are a global public health problem mainly in low- and middle-income countries. The first step towards reducing any preventable injury is based on accurate information. In Colombia, the basic epidemiological characteristics of burn injuries are unknown. The objectives were establishing the causes, high-risk populations, mortality rate, and tendencies of burn deaths.MethodsObservational, analytical, population-based study based on official death certificate occurred between 2000 and 2009. All codes of the International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision (ICD-10) related to burns were included. The mortality rates were standardized using the WHO world average age weights 2000–2025. To determine the tendency, an average annual percent change (AACP) was calculated.ResultsA total of 5448 deaths due to burns were identified; 78.4 % were men. The crude and adjusted burn mortality rate was 1.270 and 1.302 per 100,000, respectively. The AACP was −5.25 %. Electrical injury caused the greatest number of deaths (49.5 %), followed by fire and lightning injuries. A total of 1197 (22.1 %) children were under 15 years old. The causes of deaths were different among age groups. 59.4 % deaths occurred outside health institutions. ConclusionsThis study is a first step in identifying the main causes of death and groups with higher mortality rates. Electricity is the main cause of deaths due to burn injury. Further research is required in order to generate awareness among government and community for reducing the number of injuries and burn deaths in our country.

Epidemiology and outcomes of electric burn injury: a study of 768 patients in a high volume tertiary care centre of North India

“…Low socioeconomic status gets compounded by lack of basic safety education into it becoming a major factor. 6,7 Electric burn still remains a considerable cause of morbidity in the developing parts of the world. 8 The damage to the tissues depends on the voltage of electricity and resistance of specific tissues, the current pathway and duration of contact.…”

“…Rehabilitation of such patients is another issue which is beyond the scope of this study. 18 Mortality rates have been high among high voltage group (1-17%). We have noted an overall mortality rate of 10.5%.…”

Epidemiological Investigation of Elderly Patients with Severe Burns at a Major Burn Center in Southwest China

“…This topic deserves additional consideration and further research. In addition, regarding the mortality rate of elderly patients with burns, the actual number of deaths caused by burns might be higher than reported in the literature because most studies only analyzed the mortality rate during hospitalization, and a certain proportion of the injured patients died at the scene of the burn or outside the hospital after completing treatment [43]. Duke et al [37] also observed an increase in the long-term mortality of elderly patients associated with burns, and the true mortality rate associated with burns would be underestimated if the rate only relies on hospital death data.…”

Lethal Area 50 in Patients with Burn Injuries in North West, Iran

“…This is consistent with the findings of Ghaderi and Attar 13 and a study in Columbia. 3 Lower accessibility of villagers to healthcare services is probably the reason for the higher rate of mortality resulting from burns in this group of patients.…”

“…As the second leading cause of sudden death, second only to car accidents, burns are no doubt one of the most severe and one of the most serious health-threatening traumas. 1 - 3 The Physical and psychological consequences of burns affect not only the patients but also their families. 4 , 5 …”