Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Head and Neck Burn Injuries; a Cross-Sectional Study of 2181 Cases

Introduction: Despite recent progress in treatment of burn injuries, head and neck burn and its complications is still considered a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with head and neck burn.

Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the medical profiles of patients with head and neck burn referring to a burn care center during 2 years were reviewed and analyzed regarding the baseline characteristics and outcomes of participants.

Results: 392 (17.97%) cases suffered from head and neck burns. The mean burn percentage of participants was 29.31 ± 24.78, and 126 (32.14%) cases required tracheal intubation. There was a direct correlation between length of hospital stay and the degree of burn (p < 0.001). The length of hospitalization for patients burned by electricity was longer than those burned by other mechanisms (p = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between degree of burn and abnormal laryngoscopy findings (p = 0.036), developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (p < 0.001) and pneumonia (p < 0.001), need for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), and mortality rate (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, the prevalence of head and neck burn injuries was about 18% and 32.14% of these cases required airway management. 19 (4.85%) cases developed ARDS, 41 (10.46%) developed pneumonia, and 50 (12.76%) cases died. There was a significant correlation between degree of burn and abnormal laryngoscopy findings, developing ARDS and pneumonia, need for mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate.