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Exploring Burn Depth Patterns: Lower Body Mass Index as a Risk Factor For Full-Thickness Burns
Rebecca Hohsfield, BS; Hilary Y. Liu, BS; José Antonio Arellano, MD; Christopher J. Fedor, MS; Mare G. Kaulakis, BS; Alexis Henderson, MPH; Garth Elias, MD; Alain C. Corcos, MD, FACS; Jenny A. Ziembicki, MD; Francesco M. Egro, MD, MSc, MRCS
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Department of Plastic Surgery
2025-01-10
Presenter: Rebecca Hohsfield
Affidavit:
I agree.
Director Name: Vu Nguyen, MD
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background:
Burn injuries present significant clinical challenges, with burn depth influencing treatment and outcomes. While factors such as age, comorbidities, and skin composition have been explored, the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on burn depth remains understudied. This study investigates how BMI affects burn severity, identifying groups at higher risk for deeper burns.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted for patients with acute lower extremity burns at a single ABA-verified burn center from January 2012 to August 2022. Patients were classified into six BMI categories based on the WHO classification. Chi-square tests were used to assess the association between BMI and burn depth.
Results:
409 patients (32% female, 68% male; mean age 47.6±19.2 years) were analyzed. The average BMI was 28.6±6.5 kg/m², with most patients categorized as normal weight (n=124; 30.3%) or overweight (n = 129; 31.5%). The leading burn mechanisms were flame (n = 218; 53.3%) and scalds (n = 123; 30.1%). A significant association was found between BMI and burn depth (χ²(1) = 4.35; p=0.037). Patients with BMI <25 (underweight and normal weight) were more likely to sustain full-thickness burns compared to those with BMI >25 (overweight and obese).
Conclusion:
BMI significantly influences burn depth, with lower BMI linked to a higher risk of full-thickness burns. Recognizing this relationship may improve burn severity estimation, guiding treatment strategies such as fluid resuscitation. Understanding this vulnerability can also help prevent thermal injuries and inform safety measures when using controlled heat during medical procedures.
