Reduction of burnt total body surface area percentage over a decade; is the good news coming

Background and Aim : Burn injuries are among the non-communicable diseases which can considerably influence the quality of life in patients. However, various epidemiological changes have been identified in the burn pattern in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of burnt Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) and burn mechanism in Mashhad, Iran. Methods : This cross-sectional study was performed in Burn Department of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. All admitted acute burn patients who were hospitalized from 2010 to 2019 were included. Burn mechanism and burnt TBSA were evaluated in this ten year period using the chi-square test in SPSS version 26. Results : Overall, 7142 patients were studied. The number of admitted patients had a 36% increase (1098 individuals in 2019 vs. 702 individuals in 2010). Changes in burn mechanism had a statistically significant pattern during the recent decade: fire (50% in 2010 vs. 35% in 2019); scald (21% in 2010 vs. 42% in 2019); explosion (24% in 2010 vs. 14% in 2019) (p<0.001). Besides the prevalence of patients with higher burnt TBSA was significantly reduced: 0-20% burnt TBSA (18% in 2010 vs. 64% in 2019); 40-60% burnt TBSA (17% in 2010 vs. 8% in 2019); 80-100% burnt TBSA (13% in 2010 vs. 4% in 2019)(p<0.001). Conclusion : The pattern of burn mechanism has changed in the recent decade. Scald injury has been dominated with lower burnt TBSA. The preventive strategies should now focus on scald injuries.