Abstract
Introduction
Burn outcomes vary significantly across different age groups. There is limited data on how age influences burn outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where resources may be limited. Many studies on age isolate pediatric or adult groups while focusing on datasets from high-income regions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of age on burn injury outcomes in low- and high-resource areas. It was hypothesized that younger age would be protective with respect to burn injuries mirroring findings in high-income countries.
Methods
Data from the Global Burn Registry was used to stratify individuals with burn injuries across cohorts based on their age: Pediatrics (0-17 years), Young Adults (18-39 years), Adults (40-64 years), and Geriatrics (65 years and older). Descriptive statistics were used to provide an overview of burn characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed if age was a predictor for the primary outcome of mortality and secondary outcome measures of surgical intervention and functional impairment at discharge for survivors.
Results
The cohort (N=9,274) consisted of 3,757 pediatric cases, 3,108 young adults, 1,798 adults, and 611 geriatric patients. Pediatric patients comprised 41% of the sample, young adults 34%, adults 19%, and geriatrics 7%. Mortality rates increased significantly with increasing age, with pediatric patients having the lowest mortality (9%), followed by young adults (25%) and adults (25%), then geriatric patients (30%) (P< 0.001). Surgical rates were highest among adults (56%) and lowest among pediatrics (48%). Multivariable logistic regressions demonstrated that pediatric patients had significantly decreased odds of mortality (OR 0.65, 95%CI 0.51-0.81), lower odds of surgical intervention (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.74-0.96), and lower odds of impairment at discharge for survivors (OR 0.72, 95%CI 0.57-0.91).
Conclusions
Age is a critical determinant of burn injury outcomes on a global scale, with older age groups having significantly worse outcomes and impairment at discharge. Geriatric patients represent a particularly vulnerable patient population and would benefit from age-specific interventions such as increased monitoring and rehabilitation efforts.
Applicability of Research to Practice
Optimizing burn outcomes can be achieved by understanding the differences that exist in outcomes across age groups. Younger age serves as a protective factor, whereas older age indicates a potentially worse prognosis.
Funding for the Study
N/A