Predictors of survival and length of stay in burn patients older than 80 years of age: does age really matter?

Predictors of survival and length of stay (LOS) in the advanced elderly with burn injuries is not well studied. Because of progress in burn wound and critical care, we hypothesized that a contemporary analysis would show improved outcomes. Clinical data were collected on 45 consecutive patients older than 80 years of age that were treated for burn injury at our institution during the past 10 years. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of LOS and survival. Overall rate of mortality was 29%, and no patient survived a burn more than 60% TBSA. The strongest predictor of survival was percent TBSA burn. LOS of survivors was dependent on presence of inhalation injury and total number of operations. The survival of patients older than 80 years of age with burn injury is better than reported. Modern burn care allows survival in many patients over 80 with less than 60% TBSA burns without significant other co-morbidities.