Factors associated with duration of hospitalization and outcome in burns patients: A cross sectional study from Government Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

ObjectiveBurns are important contributors toward mortality in trauma related injuries in Karachi, Pakistan. The aim of the present study was to delineate the factors contributing to the duration of hospitalization and mortality in such patients.MethodsWe performed a single center retrospective study of patients admitted during a 2 year period (January 2009 till December 2010) in Burns Center, Karachi. Patients with incomplete record were excluded. Variables included were age and gender of the patient, the percent total body surface area (%TBSA) burn, the cause of the burn and the body parts affected along with the micro-organisms isolated from the burn wounds. The relationship of these variables with the duration of hospitalization and the outcome of patients was assessed by means of Pearson Chi Square test in SPSS version 14.ResultsMean age of patients was 26.64 years (±13.430). More males (56.6%) were admitted than females (43.4%), giving a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. Mean percent total body surface area (%TBSA) burnt and mortality were 24.69% and 26.38% respectively with both having higher values in females (p < 0.001). Males had a mean longer duration of hospitalization compared to females (35.94 days vs. 27.63 days). The most common micro-organism colonizing the wounds was found to be Staphylococcus aureus. Factors significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased duration of hospitalization and mortality include the age and gender of the patient, the cause of burn, inhalation injury, the region affected and %TBSA burnt.ConclusionThe relationship of age and gender of the patient, the cause of burn, inhalation injury, the region affected and %TBSA burnt are important factors in determining the duration of hospitalization of the patients and whether the patients will survive or succumb to injuries.