A 3-year epidemiological review of burn unit admissions in Dublin, Ireland: 1988-91.

A retrospective multifactorial epidemiological study of all patients admitted to the Burns Unit, St James's Hospital, Dublin during a 3-year period from January 1988 to December 1990 was undertaken. One hundred and twenty patients were admitted. All patients were aged over 14 years. The mean patient age was 48.2 years. Males accounted for 56 per cent of admissions. The mean percentage body surface area (%BSA) burned was 24.9 per cent. Flame was the cause of burns in 60 per cent of cases and produced the most extensive lesions. The home was the most common site of injury. Almost half the patients admitted from residential institutions sustained their burns in hot baths. Those aged over 60 years sustain smaller burns but are at increased risk from thermal injury. Twenty-one per cent of burns were caused by open fires used for heating the home. The mean time in hospital was 49.9 days. Twenty-three per cent of patients died as a result of their injuries. We have identified those living in residential institutions to be at increased risk from scald burns and suggest methods by which they may be protected.