Clinical and psychiatric epidemiological profile in burn patients: about 291 patients

<p>Background: Burns are a major public health problem, requiring protracted hospitalization in intensive care units and general wards. The objectives of epidemiological studies are to identify risk factors for burn injuries and to provide a starting point for the establishment of an effective prevention plan.</p> <p>Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted of burn patients admitted to the military hospital in Rabat, Morocco, in the 6-yr period from 2004 to 2009. 291 cases were included in this retrospective study.</p> <p>Results: Psychiatric disorders presented by patients were noted: 13% of early psychiatric complications, 23% of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, 25% of decline in self-esteem and 42% of behavioral and emotional disorders.</p> <p>The type of burn was indicated in 284 of the patients: 94% of the injuries were thermal burns, 4% were electrical burns, and 1.5% chemical burns. In 261 cases the exact etiology was noted: 56% of accidents were caused by flames, 38% by hot liquids, 4% by electric current, and 2% by chemicals. The distribution of the Moroccan population is as follows: 0-4 yr, 7%; 5-l4 yr, 8%; 15-19 yr, 8%; 20-59 yr, 70%; over 60 yr, 7%. The male/female sex ratio was 1.63. The mean duration of hospitalization stay was 42 ± 62 days. The mean body surface area burned was 21 ± 18%. Total mortality was 5%; 57% of deaths were due to septic shock.</p> <p>Conclusion: Our results were similar to data from other studies in the literature, with certain characteristics in our series, especially the age bracket most affected, the body surface area burned, and the mechanisms of injury.