Epidemiological Profile of Burns in the Elderly in Lagos, Nigeria: A Preliminary Study.

The elderly population is on the increase globally according to the current global demographic changes and is more vulnerable to burn injuries. Despite recent advances in burn care, the outcome of burns in the elderly has only marginally improved when compared with children and younger adults. The objective of this study was to determine the patterns and outcomes of burns in the elderly and eventually proffer prevention strategies. A retrospective review of all the elderly (65 years and older) burn patients managed at the Burn Centre of National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi Lagos (NOHIL) between January 2015 and December 2019 was performed. The socio-demographic data, clinical information surrounding the burn injury and management were extracted from the medical records, analyzed and presented. A total of 21 patients were included in this study, with a male to female ratio of 1:1.1. Flame burns represented the commonest cause of burns (85.7%) and the majority had pre-injury comorbidities (57.1%). All the patients with %TBSA of less than 40% were successfully managed and discharged while death occurred in all the patients with %TBSA of 40% and above, with a mortality rate of 11.1%. This study provided an epidemiological profile of elderly burn patients in Nigeria. One in five burn admissions is elderly, with flame burns being the major cause of burns. Most of the burns occurred indoors and were related to cooking activities. Prevention strategies were recommended to improve home safety and make the home a safer place for the elderly.

La population âgée, plus fragile face aux brûlures, est en augmentation. Les progrès dans la prise en charge des brûlures on surtout profité aux enfants et aux adultes jeunes, assez peu aux personnes âgées. Le but de cette étude est de caractériser les brûlures des personnes âgées afin de déterminer des stratégies de prévention. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective concernant les patients âgés de 65 ans et plus pris en charge dans le CTB national, situé au sein de l'hôpital orthopédique national Igobi de Lagos, entre janvier 2015 et décembre 2019. Nous présentons les données socio ­ démographiques, cliniques et de prise en charge retrouvées dans les dossiers des 21 patients retrouvés. Il y avait 1,1 homme pour 1 femme. La grande majorité (85,7%) des brûlures est due à une flamme et 57,1% des patients sont comorbides. Seuls des patients brûlés sur >40% SCT sont morts, avec une mortalité globale de 11,1%. Les brûlures de la personne âgée survenant le plus souvent à domicile, par flamme, lors des activités de cuisine, c'est sur la sécurité anti ­ incendie au domicile que doit porter la prévention des brûlures touchant cette population.

The socioeconomic impact of burns in Lagos, Nigeria: a one-year prospective study.

A one-year prospective study of burn patients presenting to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos from June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008 was conducted to evaluate the socioeconomic impact of burn injuries sustained by the patients. A proforma reflecting the various data of interest was the main instrument of the study. The data was subjected to simple statistical analysis. A total of 52 patients with a mean age of 25 ± 17.1 years were studied. There were 27 males and 25 females giving a M:F ratio of 1.1:1. Man-hours were lost by 88.5% of the patients, 55.8% of whom were income earners. About 74% of the patients had returned to work or school at the conclusion of the study. The most common opportunity cost of treatment was a relative stopping work or school. Half of the patients were unsatisfied with their appearance and 26.9% desired cosmetic surgery. Social interactions were normal in 74.5% of the patients and none reported a poor quality of life. The study showed a significant socioeconomic burden from burns. It highlighted the importance of the informal sociocultural support system and the need for formal, well-structured social support systems.

Une étude prospective concernant les patients brûlés se présentant à l'hôpital orthopédique national Igobi de Lagos entre le 1er juin 2007 et le 31 mai 2008 a été conduite afin d'évaluer l'impact socio-économique de leur blessure. Une feuille de recueil des données à étudier a été utilisée, les variables étant ensuite analysées. Cinquante deux patients de 25 ± 17,1 ans ont été inclus. Il y avait 27 hommes et 25 femmes soit un sex-ratio de 1,1:1. Un arrêt de travail a été nécessaire pour 88,5 % des patients dont 55,8 % étaient soutien de famille. A peu près les 3/4 des patients avaient repris le travail ou l'école à la fin de l'étude, cet arrêt d'activité représentant l'essentiel des coûts indirects. La moitié des patients souffraient de leur apparence et 26,9 % désiraient une prise en charge de chirurgie plastique. La vie sociale était normale pour 74,5 % des patients, aucun d'eux ne se plaignait d'une mauvaise qualité de vie. L'étude a montré un impact socio-économique significatif des brûlures. Elle a permis de souligner l'importance du rôle de soutien du système socio-culturel informel et donc la nécessité d'en développer un officiel.

The direct hospitalization cost of care for acute burns in Lagos, Nigeria: a one-year prospective study.

Objective. We conducted a prospective study to identify the direct hospitalization cost of managing major acute burns in Lagos, Nigeria, and to determine the factors that influence the cost. Method. All consecutive and consenting patients seen and managed for major burns at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, between 1 June 2007 and 31 May 2008 were recruited for the study. A special form designed for the study was used to collect the necessary data. Results. Fifty-two patients were seen during the study period (27 males and 25 females). The ages ranged from 2 months to 69 yr with a mean of 25.4 ± 17.1 yr. The length of hospital stay ranged from 0.3-12 months (mean, 3.2 ± 3.1 months). The average daily cost of treating a patient was ₦ (naira) 8,855 (₦1000 = €4.44) and the average overall cost was ₦209,303.70, with the costs of wound dressings, hospital admission, and surgery constituting respectively 29.5%, 25.7%, and 19.1% of the total amount spent. Conclusion. The length of hospital stay was prolonged in many patients and management methods should be reviewed to reduce this. The cost of managing burns is prohibitive for an average Nigerian. Efforts should be intensified to prevent burn injury and a Special Health Insurance policy should be established to finance burns management.