Changes in epidemiology and care strategies at the Norwegian National Burn Centre over 35 years (1986-2020)

• Main Authors: Henning Onarheim (Author), Ragnvald Ljones Brekke (Author), Fatemeh Zamanzad Ghavidel (Author), Anne Berit Guttormsen (Author), Stian Kreken Almeland (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2468-9122; 10.1016/j.burnso.2022.12.001
• Keywords: Burns; Epidemiology; Burn center admissions; Norway; Dermatology; RL1-803; Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid; RC86-88.9
• Source: Burns Open, Vol 7, Iss 1, Pp 1-7 (2023)

Introduction: We evaluated trends in admissions, % TBSA (total body surface area) burnt, age, and outcomes over a 35-year period at the national burn centre in Norway. Methods: Relevant data were extracted from the departmental quality registry covering all acute admissions for burns during 1986-2020. Results: In 1986-2020 there were 2.889 admissions for burns (67.6 % males), with a 110 % increase in 2016-20 when compared to 1986-90. Admissions of children <2 years increased by 400 %. In 2011-20, 66.5 % of patients were transferred from other hospitals.The median area injured declined markedly, from 16.5% TBSA in 1986-90 to 4.5% TBSA in 2016-20.Changes in care included an increased focus on non-delayed referrals and transfers, an explicit intent to achieve early excision within 48 h, and a transition from a highly frequent to a less frequent dressing changes scheme.Mortality declined from 10.9 % to 3.0 %. In 2011-20 the mortality among actively treated patients was 2.4 %. For patients with Baux scores 80-119, mortality declined from 36.0 % (1991-2010) to 18.2 % (2011-20) (P < 0.001). Discussion: Since 1986, more patients have been referred to the burn centre, many of younger ages and with more minor burns. Survival of patients with Baux scores 80-119 increased significantly.