EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ADULT PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED IN A BURNS INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

This quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and retrospective study aimed to identify the epidemiological profile of adults hospitalized in an intensive care unit in relation to the socio-demographic variables and the characteristics of the burn, based on data collected from 50 hospital records, from October 2011 to May 2012. The male sex predominated (74%); the mean age was 41.02 years; thermal burns occurred in 88% of cases, with the following predominating: domestic accidents, characterized by scalds; the use of alcohol for lighting barbecues or wood-burning stoves; the explosion of pressure cookers, gas canisters, and fireworks; and fires in the home. Third degree burns occurred in 70% of the cases, inhalation injuries were identified in 22% of the patients, and discharge from hospital was a more common outcome than death. It is concluded that the majority of burns can be prevented; it is necessary to implement public policies and continuous health education actions for society

Keywords

• Burns
• Intensive care
• Burns centers
• Public policies