Burn injuries in pregnancy in a regional burns center in Nigeria: Presentation, maternal and fetal outcome

Abstract

Introduction: Paucity of published data on the specific problems of burns in pregnancy has made it difficult to determine the incidence, maternal and fetal outcomes, as well as the most effective management program for them, hence this analysis of burns in pregnancy from January 2009–December, 2014 (6 years). Method: A retrospective study of records over 5 years was conducted. The patients’ demographic and burn characteristics, stage of pregnancy, the causes, management, outcome and complications were noted. Results and discussion: Ten mothers were included, with mean age of 30 years (range 17–45 years). The average TBSA was 36.3%, mean gestational age was 18.22 weeks (60% were within the first trimester while 40% were in the third trimester, none was in second trimester). The major cause of burn injuries was flame burns (80%). All dead fetuses were within the first trimester. The most common cause of death of mothers was sepsis. No statistically significant association was found between socio-demographic and burn characteristics and maternal and fetal outcome. The mortality rate of pregnant women is almost three times that of the non pregnant women. Conclusion: Burns in pregnant women have a profound effect on the fetal wellbeing while the outcome of the burn injuries can be affected by the presence of a fetus. Burn injury prevention is essential in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries. Keywords: Burns, Pregnancy, Maternal outcome, Fetal outcomes