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Review
. 2013 Jun 30;26(2):68-75.

Possible risk factors associated with burn wound colonization in burn units of Gaza strip hospitals, Palestine

N A Al Laham  1 , A A Elmanama, G A Tayh
Affiliations
Review

Possible risk factors associated with burn wound colonization in burn units of Gaza strip hospitals, Palestine

N A Al Laham et al. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. .

Abstract
in English, French

The epidemiological pattern and risk factors of burns and burn infections varies widely in different parts of the world. This study aims to determine the epidemiologic pattern of burn injuries and possible risk factors associated with burn infections in burn units of Gaza strip hospitals. A total of 118 patients were included in the study. The data collected included: patient age and gender, the causes, site, degree, and TBSA of the burns, as well as surgical operations, length of hospital stay, and microbiological profile of samples collected from patients, the environment, and from health care staff. Pediatric and adult patients accounted for 72% and 28% respectively. 58.5% of all patients were male and 41.5% were female. The most common etiological factors in children were scalding, while in adults these were open fire and flammable liquids. The mean TBSA was 12% with a range from 1-90%. Second and third degree burns accounted for 78% and 22% respectively. The area of the body most often affected was the torso (39%), followed by the lower limb (29.7%), and upper limb (17.8%). The predominant microorganisms isolated from burn wounds were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. and Staphylococcus spp. The study showed the highest risk groups to be children and males, and enabled us to identify possible risk factors that can help in future efforts toward prevention and minimizing nosocomial infections in burn units of Gaza strip hospitals.

Le profil épidémiologique et les facteurs de risque des brûlures et des infections de brûlures varient considérablement dans différentes parties du monde. Cette étude vise à déterminer le profil épidémiologique des brûlures et des facteurs de risque possibles associés aux infections de brûlures dans les unités de soins aux brûlés dans les hôpitaux de la bande de Gaza. Un total de 118 patients ont été inclus dans l’étude. Les données recueillies comprennent: l’âge et le sexe du patient, les causes, le site, et le degré TBSA des brûlures, ainsi que les opérations chirurgicales, la durée du séjour à l’hôpital, le profil microbiologique des échantillons prélevés sur les patients, sur l’environnement et sur le personnel de soins de santé. Les patients pédiatriques et adultes représentaient 72% et 28% respectivement. 58,5% des patients étaient des hommes et 41,5% étaient des femmes. Les facteurs étiologiques les plus courants chez les enfants ont été échaudage, tandis que chez les adultes s’agissait feu ouvert et liquides inflammables. Le TBSA moyenne était de 12% avec un intervalle de 1% à 90%. Les brûlures au deuxième et troisième degré représentaient 78% et 22% respectivement. La zone du corps la plus souvent touchée était la torse (39%), suivi par le membre inférieur (29,7%), et du membre supérieur (17,8%). Les micro-organismes prédominants isolés des brûlures étaient Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. et Staphylococcus spp. Selon cette étude, les groupes les plus à risque seraient les enfants et les hommes. En plus, cette étude nous a permis d’identifier les facteurs de risque possibles, et ces informations peuvent aider dans les efforts futurs vers la prévention et la réduction des infections nosocomiales dans les unités de soins aux brûlés de la bande de Gaza.

Keywords: Gaza hospitals; Palestine; burn colonization; burn units; risk factors.

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Figures

Table I
Table I. Types and frequency of samples collected for microbiological investigation
Table II
Table II. Overview of patients admitted for burn injuries during the study period
Table III
Table III. Types and frequency of microbial pathogens isolated from burn patients, HCWs and environmental samples
Table IV
Table IV. Association of possible risk factors and prevalence of colonization in burn patients
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