Lethal Area 50 in Patients with Burn Injuries in North West, Iran

Introduction: In view of their considerably high rates of mortality and morbidity, burns are still viewed as one of the most important health-threatening environmental hazards imposing a significant burden on the health care system in low and middle-income countries. This study seeks to determine the lethal area fifty percent (LA50) in all burn patients admitted over a period of five years and the factors influencing mortality in burn injuries.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional carried out from 2010 to 2014 in Sina Hospital of Tabriz, 1226 participant including 319 women, 346 men, 272 girls, and 289 boys were selected through stratified sampling. The demographic and clinical data of patients ( their age, gender, burn type, TBSA, the season and consequences of burning) were all extracted and then analyzed, using descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and variability) and inferential statistics(chi-square and linear regression)at a significance level of 0.05. The LA50 was calculated through determining the relationship between the total body surface area and mortality rate (The extent of the body burns measured and recorded based on Lando Chart in hospitals).

Results: The highest (47.6%) and the lowest (3.8%) rates of burns were observed among those aged below 16 and above 65, respectively. The majority of the participants were residents of cities (55.4%), married (34.6%), illiterate (56.6%), and housewives (14.8%). Most burns were caused by accidents (98.4%) at home (90.6%). Most patients had suffered first- and second-degree burns (68.4%), with no inhalation damages (99.5%). Hot liquids were the main culprit in most of the burns (58.7%) and the upper extremities were the most frequently affected areas (34.8%). There was .99 rise in mortality for every percent increase in TBSA, and there seemed to be a significant relationship between the age level and the eventual outcome- the higher the age, the more likely for the incident to end in death.LA50 was also determined 43.73 percent for five years. Finally, the study findings showed that female gender, TBSA and age are associated with death from burn.

Conclusion: Given the high LA50 index at this center, it is of high priority in our country to enhance the public knowledge and the quality of the care provided for the burn patients. Patients at risk including women, children, elderly and extensive burns should be considered.