A review of burns treated over a one-year period at Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe

A retrospective study is presented of 297 patients (57% male and 43% female) treated for burns at Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in 1991. Of the patients, 73% were in the paediatric age group, 60% of whom were under 5 years of age. Most burns occurred at home (90%), with the majority occurring in the kitchen (61%). The commonest burning agent was hot water (55%). Open-fire burns accounted for 18% of cases. The surface area of burns ranged from 1% to 80% with a mean of 7%. The majority of patients (84%) had superficial thickness burns. Only 6% of the patients required active resuscitation with intravenous fluids. A total of 159 organisms were isolated on 111 pus swabs. The most commonly isolated organism was Staphylococcus aureus (66%). Seven patients (five children and two adults) died, giving a mortality rate of 2%. Although it is desirable to have a purpose-built burns unit this study shows that satisfactory results can be achieved with limited facilities. In our practice, where 90% of burns occur in the home situation, an active public-education campaign would help to reduce the incidence of burns.