Publication:

Pattern of burn injury admissions at a teaching hospital of Karnataka, India: a three year retrospective study

Background The study aims to review current trends in epidemiology, demographics and pattern of burn injury over three year period.

Methods A retrospective study was done using the records of all burn patients admitted from January 2013 to December 2015 at Teaching Hospital, HIMS Hassan. The records were analysed for socio demographic profile, pattern of injuries and outcome.

Results 390 patients were enrolled in the study. Woman patients marginally outnumbered men (52.6% vs. 47.4%). Accidental burns were 92.8%. 84.6% of the patients sustained burns at their home. Flame burn constituted 62.6 % and scald burns 31% of the total burns.

Conclusions Burns is still an issue of concern. Our study highlights the need for a burns data- base to know the reasons and what measures could prevent the occurrence. Number of patients referred is high indicating the need for specialist services at the District level.