Burns due to acid assaults in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Acid burn causes a nonthermal trauma, with higher prevalence in developing countries. These burns are potentially lethal if it involves a significant proportion of the body surface. A retrospective review was performed by analyzing patient records of the Burns and Reconstructive Surgical Unit for 18 months. We received 46 acid burn patients due to assaults, which is 4% of the total number of burn patients during the period. The age range was 12 to 60 years, and 63% of the patients were between 21 and 40 years. The male to female ratio was 2.8:1. The type of acid was known in only 20 (43%) patients, the commonest being formic acid (41%). The average TBSA burnt was 14.6% in acid assaults, and the commonly involved areas were the face (93%), chest (65%), and upper limbs (64%). Mortality was 4.34%. Excision and grafting were required in 20 (43.4%) patients. Only 18 (39%) were attending rehabilitation. Acid burns in Sri Lanka commonly occur due to assaults, with a distinctive pattern of skin and body involvement. Management and rehabilitation require a multidisciplinary approach to prevent deformity and disability. These cases demonstrate poor compliance with rehabilitation.