The first 1000 patients treated in Kuopio University Hospital Burn Unit in Finland.
An epidemiological study on burn patients treated in a Finnish burn center has not been published before in international literature. This study reports the results of a retrospective study on the first 1000 patients treated in Kuopio University Hospital Burn Unit (KBU) in Finland.


METHODS
First consecutive 1000 patients treated in KBU January 1994-April 2006.


RESULTS
The incidence of burns treated in our burn center was 6.8 patients/100,000/year. The median (iq-range) age of patients increased by 10 years during the study period to 39 (13-54) years. The median TBSA was 3.5 (1.5-10)% and 78% of burns were smaller than 10%. The male:female ratio was 2.64:1 and it also increased during the study period. Female predominance was found only in >80 years old patients. Most burns were scalds (34%) but flame was the major etiological factor in ICU and lethal burns. Every fourth burn occurred in a sauna. Inhalation injury was diagnosed in 2.7% of patients. Most patients (60%) underwent surgical therapy and 14.3% needed intensive care. The hospital stay was 1.4%/TBSA. The overall mortality was 4% but only 2.4% in those patients who were treated actively.


CONCLUSIONS
The median age and male predominance have increased during the study period. Every fourth burn is sauna-related therefore a target for prevention strategies.
Papp
Anthony
A
British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn Unit, Vancouver General Hospital, JPP2, 899 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada. anthony.papp@ubc.ca
D000061:Accidents, Home; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002053:Burn Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002056:Burns / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D029002:Steam Bath / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult