Study of Burns Cases, Microbiological Profile in Burn Wounds and Cause of Death among Burn Victims in Bijapu

Objective: This study was to study burn cases, microbiological profile of burn wounds,manner and cause of death among burn victims.

Materials and Method: This study was undertaken at Al-Ameen Medical College hospital and District Hospital, Bijapur between 1.1.2008 to 31.12.2008.

Result: Total 89 Cases of injuries due to dry heat were examined. Out of the total 31(34.83%) were Males and 58(65.17%) were Females. Maximum cases 34(38.20%) belonged to the age group of 21-30 years followed by 19(21.35%) belonging to 11-20 years of age group. Among 89 cases studied 42(47.19%) victims were married females while 22(24.72%) were married males, remaining 25(28.09%) were unmarried. In this study 66(74.16%) cases were accidental, 19(21.35%) cases were suicidal and 4(4.49%) were homicidal. Kerosene was the most common causative agent accounting for burns among 72(80.90%) cases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the common microorganism isolated among burns cases followed by Staphylococcus aureus,Klebsiella species, Escherichia coli, Proteus species.41 autopsies were done on the bodies of fatal burn victims reporting Septicemia as the most common cause of death, followed by shock.

Conclusion: Planning the burn ward separately, restriction in the misuse of antibiotics, supportive measures in the form of good nutrition and physiotherapy will increase the survival rate in burn cases.