CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BURN: A7 YEAR REVIEW OF CASES IN KING FAHAD HOSPITAL, ALBAHA, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Burns are considered as disfiguring emergency worldwide. In this study, we reviewed the clinical presentation as well as primary management among burn patients who were presented to King Fahad Hospital (KFH) Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study. The cases of burn among patients admitted to (KFH) during the period 2011-2018 were included. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 25. Results: A total number of 181 patients were included in the study. Male was the predominant sex which represents 70.2% of all cases, with the male to female ratio of 2.3:1. Most of the participants were below 19 years of age (64.2%). The main causes of burn were flame (59.7%), scald (21.5%), electrical (12.7%), and Chemical (2.8%). 74.6% of patients presented within the first 12 hours. The main presenting symptoms were pain (76.8%), hypovolemic shock (3patients) and compartments syndrome (2patients). Regarding the total body surface area of the body involved 115 cases had less than 20%, 29 cases had between 20% and 39%, and 7 cases had more than 50%. This study showed a statistical relation between body surface area and age group and nationality. Hospitalization was needed for 158 (87.3%) patients. Wound debridement was performed to 11 patients, 4 patients (2.2%) underwent skin graft, and 2 patients had compartment syndrome. Conclusion: Burn injuries are still not uncommon health problem in Al-baha region. Most of the patients are young and they need hospital management and care.