Pattern of burns in a population presented to Cairo University hospitals over one year; an epidemiological study

Abstract

Background: Burns due to various accidents are ubiquitous among Egyptians although it might be underreported or not documented. The lack of well-equipped burn centers in Egypt made the Government consider the establishment of new burn center that will be opened in Cairo University hospitals within few months. That’s why we performed this analysis to know our needs and provide a better service for the people. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the cases admitted to the burn center in Cairo University hospital (Kasr El-Ainy Burn Unit; KABU) over a period of one year from 1/3/2016 to 28/2/2017. Results: Children 12 years or less accounted for 203 (48.9%) of cases; however elderly patients were 23 (5.5%). The majority of cases came from Giza and Cairo. Despite that males constituted the majority of cases 271 (65.3%), there was no significant difference between age groups (p = .161).Also, the majority of admitted cases were flame and scald burn (more than 75%). However, scald burn is prevalent in children (67.5%) and flame burn is the most prevalent in other age categories (p < .001). Most of the cases (more than 70%) were indoors burns with no significant difference between age groups. Moreover, the percentages of burn were higher in elderly people and adults than in other age groups. Regarding the Seasonal variations, the maximum number of cases admitted was during February 2017 (52 cases, 12.5%) and the minimum number of cases admitted was during the month of October 2016 (14 cases, 3.4%). Conclusion: The KABU serves mainly burn patients from Great Cairo and few other governorates. Patient education is essential regarding first aid, how to avoid burns, child abuse and complications of burns. The Population is underinformed. Physiotherapist, psychologist, pediatrician and an Anesthesiologist (in addition to the plastic surgeon) are mandatory members of the burns team. Keywords: Burns, Cairo, Prevalence, Epidemiology, Adults, Pediatrics, Patterns, Types, Egypt