Facial burn injuries. Epidemiological data: incidence in risk groups and etiological characteristics of patients treated at a national burn referral center.

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide, the majority of burn deaths occur in developing countries, with only 3% occurring in high-income countries. Children under 4 years of age and over 60 years of age are the groups most affected by burns caused by hot liquids. Furthermore, it has been observed that men have a higher incidence compared to women. Injuries in specific areas, such as the face, represent a challenge for the surgeon due to the functional and aesthetic sequelae they can cause.

Objective: In this context, the National Center for Research and Care of Burn Patients (CENIAQ) of the Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra National Rehabilitation Institute in Mexico City has generated a database that allows for the study of the characteristics of the population served, with the aim of identifying the highest-risk groups and the main causes of facial burns.

Methodology: A retrospective and descriptive study was conducted, analyzing the variables of age, gender, and etiology of patients with facial burns. The study included patients who attended the CENIAQ between January 2019 and September 2024.

Results: 1,337 patients with burns in special areas were included. 484 (36.2%) had facial involvement; 64.6% (n=313) were men and 35.3% (n=171) were women. Regarding age distribution, 6.6% (n=32) were over 60 years of age and 11.1% (n=85) were under 18. The main causes were fire (75.8%), hot liquids (10.1%), electricity (10.9%), and chemicals (1.2%). Sixty-eight deaths (14%) were reported; 92.3% were due to fire, and the majority were men (72%). These results show significant differences in age patterns and etiology compared to other developing countries, reflecting the existing inequalities in global health systems.

Conclusions: The incidence, morbidity, mortality, and disability associated with burns are higher in low- and middle-income countries. Our study data differ in incidence patterns by age and etiology compared with some developing countries, illustrating the inequity in the global healthcare system. These findings highlight the urgent need to improve prevention strategies and the quality of care for patients with severe burns in our country.