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DOI: 10.48087/BJMS.2026.130407
Authors: Fares Aissa BOUDIAF, Saida ABOUBOU, Naoual BOUDOUH, Naoual BEGGARI, Nadia GRAINAT
Affiliations: CHU Batna, Faculty of Medicine, Batna 2 University, LABODOL Laboratory – Algeria.
Abstract
Introduction. Burns are a common and potentially serious condition whose vital prognosis depends on several factors. Mortality remains high, particularly in severe forms. The aim of this study was to describe the severity factors and mortality observed among burn patients hospitalized in our department. Materials and Methods. This prospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted in the Burn Unit of Batna University Hospital in 2023. It included patients hospitalized for burns meeting specific criteria related to extent and location. The variables studied encompassed demographic characteristics, causal agent, burn severity, and outcomes (infection and mortality). Assessment relied on standardized tools: the Wallace Rule of Nines, the Lund-Browder chart, and the Baux and UBS scores. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (χ² test, p ≤ 0.05), in accordance with ethical standards, including informed consent and patient confidentiality. Results. A total of 233 patients were included. Children aged 1–5 years were the most represented age group. Several severity factors were identified, notably a total burned body surface area (TBSA) exceeding 30%, burn depth, and age extremes (under 5 or over 65 years). The overall mortality rate was 15.9%. Mortality reached 83.3% in flame burns and 64.5% in burns involving more than 50% TBSA. It was also higher in patients with deep burns, and reached 83.3% for a Baux score above 100 and for a UBS score ≥ 150. Furthermore, mortality occurred in 29.4% of infected cases. Conclusion The main factors associated with burn severity and mortality are age, flame burns, burn extent, depth, and infection. This study confirms the importance of early and appropriate management in improving both the vital and functional prognosis of burn patients.
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Keywords: Burns, Severity factors, Mortality, Prognosis, Infection.