Demographic Characteristics of Burn Patients in the Emergency Department: Analysis of 118 Cases

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to retrospectively examine the demographic characteristics, causes, anatomical localizations, and clinical outcomes of 118 patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Atlas University Hospital due to burns. Materials and Methods: Data from patients admitted to the emergency department for burns between November 31, 2022, and November 31, 2024, were obtained from patient files, forensic reports, and hospital information systems. Age, gender, burn causes, burn degrees, total burned body surface area (%TBSA), anatomical localization, seasonal distribution, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: Of the patients, 62.7% were male and 37.3% were female, with a mean age of 23.8 ± 14.9 years. Scald burns were identified as the most common cause at 47.5%. Regarding burn degrees, 69.5% of the patients had second-degree burns. The most frequently affected anatomical regions were the upper extremities (44.8%) and the face (31.4%). Burn admissions were higher in the summer (33.8%). Of the patients, 78.8% were treated and discharged from the emergency department, 14.4% were admitted to the burn unit, and 6.8% were referred to advanced care centers. The mortality rate was 1.7%. Conclusion: Burn injuries vary by age groups, gender, and causes. Scald burns are more common in children, while electrical burns are predominantly observed in males. Multidisciplinary approaches and the development of preventive strategies are essential in burn management. This study provides insights into the clinical management and prevention of burns and may serve as a guide for future research.

Keywords

• burn injuries
• Burn demographics
• Emergency burn cases

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