Evaluation of the Cases Hospitalized in our Burn Unit

Abstract

Aim: A burn is a physiopathological process where damage occurs in the skin and subcutaneous tissues and can affect the entire body depending on its depth and surface area and the reason causing the burn. Burns are most common in children and in the home environment according to a large number of studies. We compared the clinical and demographic features and the treatment protocols of our cases who were diagnosed with a burn in this study. Material and Methods: A total of 52 patients who presented to the Erzincan State Hospital's Burn Unit between July 2008 and June 2010 and were diagnosed with a burn were included in our study. The charts of our cases were retrospectively evaluated. The demographic findings, burn surface area and burn degree determined during the physical examination were recorded from the charts. Results The group of 52 subjects presenting to the burn unit consisted of 33 pediatric and 19 adult patients. The mean age was 18.2 years. There were 17 female and 16 male pediatric patients. The adult patients consisted of 12 females and 7 males. A first-degree burn with an area between 10% to 15% of the body surface was found in 12 of our pediatric patients and 8 of our adult patients. All the burns were hot water burns or sunburns. These subjects were prescribed medical treatment for one week and were referred to the outpatient department where the follow-up was performed. The mean duration until recovery was 7 to 10 days. A second-degree burn with a surface area between 25% and 40% was found in 15 pediatric patients and 6 adult patients. All these burns had been caused by hot water. Our cases were admitted to the burn unit and treated by dressing the wound. The mean duration until recovery was 4 to 6 weeks. The patients were discharged with full recovery and without any complications. A third-degree burn was found in 6 (18.18%) of our pediatric patients and in 4 (21.05%) of our adult patients. The patients were admitted to the burn unit and dressings alone or with debridement were used for treatment according to the burn healing status. Conclusion Burn patients should be evaluated in detail. Deepening of the burn, infection and fluid loss can be prevented by appropriate intervention in the early period. The appropriate treatment plan should be arranged and the patients who require treatment at a burn center should be referred.