<< Back to the abstract archive
10-Year National Database Review of Pneumothorax After Burn Injuries
Hilary Y. Liu, BS; Daniel Najafali, BS; Christopher J. Fedor, MS; José Antonio Arellano, MD; Rebecca Hohsfield, BS; Mare G. Kaulakis, BS; Garth Elias, MD; Alain C. Corcos, MD, FACS; Jenny A. Ziembicki, MD; Francesco M. Egro, MD, MSc, MRCS
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2025-01-09
Presenter: Hilary Y Liu, BS
Affidavit:
I agree
Director Name: Vu T Nguyen
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Introduction: Pneumothorax is a recognized complication in burn patients, particularly those with inhalation injuries, chest wall burns, or requiring mechanical ventilation. Despite its clinical significance, there is limited descriptive data on its incidence and characteristics in this population. This study aims to describe pneumothorax in burn patients, with a focus on its frequency, associated factors, and outcomes.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed using data from a national burn registry from 2013 to 2022 on patients who developed pneumothorax. Demographics, burn characteristics, clinical course, and hospitalization data were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 258 burn patients developed pneumothorax (63.2% male, mean age 47.9± 23.1 years). The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (n=30; 11.6%), COPD (n=9; 3.5%) or smoking (n=62; 24.0%). The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 31.5±24.0%. Flame burns were the most common etiology (n=169; 65.5%), followed by scald (n=17; 6.6%) and flash burns (n=14; 5.4%). Inhalation injury was present in 40.3% (n=104) of cases. The mean hospital length of stay was 54.8±55.6 days. Patients spent an average of 43.4±48.9 days in the ICU and 29.3±38.1 days on mechanical ventilation. The overall mortality rate was 25.6% (n=66). Among survivors, the most common discharge dispositions were transfer to another hospital (n=96; 37.2%) and discharge to home or self-care (n=58; 22.5%).
Conclusion: Pneumothorax mainly affects middle-aged males with flame burns and inhalation injuries, resulting in longer ICU stays, increased ventilation duration, and high mortality rates.
