Epidemiology of in-hospital burn patients in a tertiary hospital in Damascus, Syria.

Abstract

Background According to the WHO, 300,000 people die every year as a result of burn injuries. In this study, we aim to discuss the epidemiology and outcomes of burn patients who were admitted to Al Mowasat hospital in Damascus, Syria. Methods A retrospective cohort research was conducted from January 2017 to December 2021. All accessible paper-based medical records of burn injury patients admitted to the hospital were evaluated. ABSI score was used to classify injury degree. Chi-square test and logistic regression model were used to study the association between demographic variables and outcomes. Results Of the 641 patients, 367 (57.3%) were male and 274 (42.7%) were female. Children represented more than half of our sample 377 (58.8%). The most common cause of burn was flame burns 393 (61.3%), followed by scalding 199 (31.0%). Most of the patients had a more than 10% TBSA of burns 511(79.7%). Children had higher rates of leaving against medical advice (25.7%) than adults (17.8%). Children and patients who needed respiratory support were more likely to die than others 2.545 (1.079–6.004), 9.208 (4.061–20.879), respectively. Conclusion The situation of burn patients in Syria requires more attention and care to reduce mortality and morbidity. Focusing on the young age group to prevent such life-limiting injuries should be a priority.