Burns: Epidemiology and Distribution Pattern in Karachi – A One-Year Survey

Abstract

Background:

Burns are associated with morbidity and mortality and have greatly affected mankind. They form the fourth most type of trauma encountered worldwide, preceded by traffic accidents and homicidal violence. In the south Asian region the deaths associated with burns are considered second to accidents.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to find the epidemiology and distribution of burns in the city of Karachi and to identify the most vulnerable population in this part of country.

Design:

Cross sectional study
Place and Duration: This is a one-year cross-sectional study from January 2016 to December 2016 conducted on patients reported with burn injuries in medico legal section, in a tertiary care hospital, Karachi

Methods:

Total number of cases reported during one year was 453. Data was collected regarding age and divided into various sub categories, gender, causative factor of the burn injury, total surface areas of burns, manner of causation of burns, and time of arrival in medico legal section. The estimation of extent of burn was calculated in terms of total body surface area according to Wallace’s rule of nine and in cases of children Lund and Browder charts were used. Victims were brought dead too that are included in this data. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results:

Our sample comprised of n=453 participants with burns. Of total participants majority n=256(56.5%) were males and n=197(43.5%) were females. In nature of burns, n=347(76.6%) were due to dry flame heat, n= 78(17.2%) were due to Scalds (moist burns), n=17(3.8%) were due to electrical burns whereas n=11(2.4%) caused due to chemical burns. Majority of the cases were reported in autumn season and majority of the reporting time n=151(33.3%) were between noon to evening. In patients with < 20% burns majority were n=22(23.7%) children whereas in burns with ≥20% body surface area majority were n=232(64.6%) adults. Children and old age individuals are the most vulnerable population

Conclusion:

In metropolitan city of Karachi burns are suffered in majority by males. The manner of causation of burn is accidental and caused by dry flame burns at work place. There is no association of burns with gas stoves or heating places and majority of cases were reported in autumn between noon and evening time.