Prompt eschar excision: a treatment system contributing to reduced burn mortality. A statistical evaluation of burn care at the Massachusetts General Hospital (1974-1984).

Mortality at the Adult Burn Center of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has declined from 24% in 1974 to an average of 7% for 1979-1984. From 1974 to 1976, prompt eschar excision and immediate wound closure therapy was initiated and standardized. After 1976, this therapy was the standard treatment. Detailed statistical analysis is necessary to determine the influence of this treatment on the improved survival. Therefore, logistical regression analysis was used to examine the influence of variables such as burn size, age, and treatment on mortality for 1103 patients during 1974-1984. Survival rates during the treatment development phase (1974-1977) were compared to the survival rates of the last 5 years of standardized excisional treatment (1979-1984). Survival rates for the standardized excisional treatment were also compared to the results of previously published studies from this hospital that were probit analyses of burn mortality for 1939-1955 and 1955-1970. This latter comparison provided 45 years' experience with burn mortality at a single institution. Results of the statistical analysis of the survival data from 1974 to 1984 indicate that mortality strongly depends on burn size, age, and treatment (p less than 0.001 for each independent variable). In addition, length of stay (LOS) for the total group decreased significantly from 32 to 22 days. The improved survival for 1974-1984 occurred independently of changes in the annual distributions of burn size, age, or sex. Comparison of survival rates shows improved survival during standardized excisional treatment when compared to the treatment development phase. The most extensive increases in survival during 1974-1984 were seen in the treatment of elderly patients and patients with massive burn injuries. Survival for the period 1974-1984 was markedly improved as compared to the 1939-1970 published experiences.