Oral Presentation ANZBA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Predictors of Mortality and Complications in Genital and Perineal Burns: Experience from a Major Burn Center (22990)

Ishith IS Seth 1 , Warren WR Rozen 1 , Roberto RC Cuomo 2 , Mohammadreza MM Mobayen 3 , Ishith Seth 1
  1. Peninsula Health, Frankston, VIC, Australia
  2. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
  3. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Rash, Iran

Background:
Burns involving the genitalia and perineum pose distinct clinical challenges due to anatomical complexity, high infection risk, and functional consequences. Despite their significance, data remain limited particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study evaluates predictors of morbidity and mortality in genital and perineal burns across rural and urban populations in Gilan province, Iran.

Methods:
A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on patients with genital and/or perineal burns admitted between January 2021 and January 2024. Data collected included demographics, burn characteristics, treatment modalities, complications (at 90 days and 12 months), and mortality. Correlation analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of adverse outcomes. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results:
Thirty-nine patients were included (mean age 13.5 years; 56% male). Scalds accounted for 70% of injuries, with deep partial thickness burns being most common (54%). Paediatric patients (<16 years) made up 72% of the cohort, predominantly from scald injuries (75%), with a 7% mortality rate. Adults (≥16 years) experienced more flame burns (45%) and had a higher mortality rate (18%). Overall mortality was 10%.

Rural patients (n=20) had a mean TBSA of 7.2% and mortality rate of 10%; urban patients (n=19) had a mean TBSA of 6.8% and mortality of 10.5%. Key findings included:

  • TBSA strongly correlated with mortality (r=0.61, P<0.01) and complications at 90 days (r=0.55, P<0.01).

  • Deep partial thickness burns were significantly associated with complications and mortality (r=0.49, P<0.05).

  • ICU duration was longer in patients who died (12 vs. 5 days, P<0.05).

  • Hospital length of stay correlated with mortality (r=0.40, P<0.05).

Conclusion:
This study highlights the disproportionate burden of genital and perineal burns in paediatric and rural populations. Burn depth and TBSA are key predictors of mortality and long-term complications. Findings underscore the urgent need for region-specific burn prevention strategies and timely specialised intervention.