Clinical and epidemiological profiles of burns from a regional burn center in Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Burns impose a disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income countries, but epidemiological data are limited. Between 1 January and 31 December 2025, a prospective study was undertaken at a regional burn center in Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt, including all emergency admissions. The study cohort comprised 125 patients; 68.8% were male and 52.8% were pediatric (< 18 years). Burns showed bimodal seasonal peaks in winter and summer. Burns involving 10–19% of total body surface area (TBSA) were most common, accounting for 56% of cases. Mean (± SD) TBSA was 11% ± 7% in pediatric patients and 20% ± 21% in adults. Male gender, accidental etiology, and domestic occurrence predominated. Scalds were the most frequent mechanism of injury, followed by flame and electrical burns. Delayed admission beyond six hours post-injury occurred in 32% of cases. Adults had a longer mean hospital stay (25 ± 20 days) compared with pediatric patients (20 ± 16 days), whereas pediatric patients constituted the majority of those requiring skin grafting. Overall mortality was 11.2%, primarily among adults. In multivariate logistic regression, an ABSI score ≥ 7 was independently associated with mortality (AOR = 20.926 (95% CI: 3.355–130.52), p  = 0.001). For ICU admission, an ABSI score ≥ 7 and TBSA > 25% were a statistically significant predictor. The pediatric cohort in this study demonstrated a heightened vulnerability to burn injuries, emphasizing the pivotal role of caregiver supervision and targeted preventive education. Conversely, mortality rates were disproportionately higher within the adult cohort.