Comparison of mortality and mean hospital stay between patients with burns in upper and lower extremities in Southern Iran

Background: Burn injury according to severity, extent and organ involvement leads to different mortalities and morbidities. Considering burn injuries of similar extent, the mortality related to lower extremity seems to be higher than that of upper extremity. This study was performed to compare the mortality and mean hospital stay between two groups of burn patients with upper and lower extremities admitted to Ghotbeddin Hospital during a two years period. Methods: The present retrospective study encompassed 322 patients aged from 15-40 years with 45% females and 55% males and burns of 15%-40% during a two years period. Depending on 2/3 or more of total burns; they were divided into two groups with burns in the upper and lower extremities. Results: Upon comparison of the mean hospital stay and mortality rate, it was shown that the mean hospital stay in those with burns of lower extremity was two weeks, which was longer than that in patients with upper extremity burns. Mortality in lower extremity burns was about 10% more than that of upper extremity. Conclusion: It seems that treatment of lower extremity burns along with appropriate planning for intensive care of this organ would help reduce mortality, save time and lower costs.