Abstract
Introduction
Information on long-term outcomes following chemical burn injury is sparse. This study aims to examine whether or not there are differences in long-term outcomes for individuals with chemical burn injuries compared to those with fire/flame injuries.
Methods
Data from the Burn Model System (BMS) National Database (1997–2019) were used for analysis. Demographic and clinical characteristics of adult burn survivors with chemical injuries and fire/flame injuries were compared. Regression analyses for the Mental Health Composite Scale (MCS) and the Physical Health Composite Scale (PCS) of the Short Form Health Survey-12, employment status, and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were conducted at 12 and 24 months post-burn, adjusting for age, gender, race, and burn size.
Results
A total of 2,522 database participants (96 with chemical burns; 2,426 with fire/flame injuries) were included in the analyses. Those with chemical injuries had smaller burn sizes, shorter hospital stays, and fewer ventilator days (p< 0.0001, p=0.0034, and p=0.0005, respectively). Chemical burn survivors were more likely to be employed at the time of the burn (p< 0.0001), to have sustained an employment-related injury (p< 0.0001), and to have been discharged to their own home following their acute stay (p< 0.0001). No significant differences in the MCS, PCS, employment status or SWLS were found at either 12 or 24 months post-burn between groups in the regression analyses.
Conclusions
Chemical burn injuries were not found to have a significant difference on mental health, physical health, employment status, and satisfaction with life outcomes compared to fire/flame injuries. However, the effects of chemical burn injury on long-term outcomes may be difficult to detect due to the relatively small sample size of this population.
Applicability of Research to Practice
Further investigation is needed to better understand long-term outcomes following chemical injuries. Individuals with chemical burn injuries may require more specific assessment tools to improve how these types of injuries are studied.
Predicting Long-Term Global Outcome after Traumatic Brain Injury: Development of a Practical Prognostic Tool Using the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database
