Research Information System
Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Medical Sciences, vol.25, no.3, pp.400-406, 2005 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic features of burns cases presenting in the Osmangazi University Hospital emergency room during the period from 1996-2000, to evaluate variables affecting the severity of the injuries from a forensic point of view and to determine the relationships between these variables. Material and Methods: The cumulative records of the emergency room, as well as individual patient files were retrospectively examined. Results: Three hundred and seventeen patients classified as suffering from acute bums presented in the Osmangazi University Hospital emergency room during the 5-year period from 1996 to 2000. Of these, 181 patients were male (57.1%), and 34.4% of all injuries affected children under the age of 5. The study found that of these, most bums were a result of accidents in the home (88.1%), and that the most common causes (65.4%) were accidents involving hot liquids such as water, tea, pudding, etc. The most effected parts of the body, in decreasing frequency, were the lower, and then, upper extremities, the thorax, the head-neck-face area, and the abdomen. Bum depths were determined to be first and second degree in 77.8% of the cases, while 62.1% of the patients had an extent of injury of 10% or less. 11.8% (10/85) were judged to be life threatening. The rate of complication arising in hospitalized patients was 12.3%. The statistical correlation between variables such as age, sex, type and localization of bum on the body was found to be significant (p< 0.05). The criteria set used for the application of forensic science in Turkey in assessing threat to life is in accordance with the International Abbreviated Injury Scale (IAIS). Conclusion: Demographic results can help in terms of applying precautionary measures against the risk of bum injuries. In the practice of forensic medicine, the IAIS is useful in determining the extent of lesions in bum cases. Copyright © 2005 by Türkiye Klinikleri.