Citation

Agbenorku P, Agbenorku M, Fiifi-Yankson PK. Int. J. Burns Trauma 2013; 3(3): 151-158.

Affiliation

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology Kumasi, Ghana ; Department of Surgery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology Kumasi, Ghana ; Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology Kumasi, Ghana ; School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology Kumasi, Ghana ; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology Kumasi, Ghana.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, e-Century Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23875121

Abstract

AIM: This study aimed at identifying risk factors related to pediatric burns mortality in a middle income country such as Ghana. METHODS: The data for the three years retrospective study (May 2009 - April 2012) was obtained from the pediatric burn admissions records and patients' folders of the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit (RPSBU), Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana. Data retrieved included: Demographic features, Total Burned Surface Area (TBSA) incurred; Aetiology of burns; Duration of the admission; Outcome of admission; Part of the body affected and Cost incurred. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the KNUST-SMS/KATH Committee on Human Research, Publications and Ethics. Data analyses were performed with SPSS 17.0 version. RESULTS: Information on 197 patients was completely retrieved for the study. Burns mortality rate for the study was identified to be 21.3% (N=42). The mean age of the 42 dead patients was 3.7±0.3 years, ranging from 0-13 years, while, males (54.8%, N= 23) outnumbered females (45.2%, N=19). The TBSA burned interquartile range was 48%. In terms of etiology of burns Scald (73.8%, N=31) was the commonest cause of injury. Mortality risk factors identified were Age <6 years (P=0.028); Scald especially hot water and soup (P=0.016); TBSA >36% (P=0.028) and Inhalation injury (P=0.040). CONCLUSION: Age, scald, TBSA and Inhalation Injury were identified as pediatric burns mortality risk factors in a developing country such as Ghana's RPSBU. These identified factors will serve as a guideline for plastic surgeons and other health professionals practicing in countries such as Ghana.

Language: en