Characteristics of burn injuries in old and extremely old patients: A city-wide study

Background: The global population is aging rapidly. However, research on the characteristics of burn injuries in extremely old individuals remains limited. The current study aimed to identify the characteristics of burn injuries among elderly people by examining a city-wide burn database in Tokyo. Methods: This observational study was conducted at 14 burn centers, and data from the Tokyo Burn Unit Association registry from 1999 to 2020 were used. Demographic characteristics, burn mechanisms and severity, and clinical outcomes were compared among three age groups: >80 (very old), 65–79 (old), and 18–64 years. Results: In total, 11,876 patients with burn, including 1,150 aged > 80 years, 1,916 aged 65–79 years, and 8,810 aged 18–64 years, were analyzed. Older patients had a higher incidence of flame burns, burns in the closed space, and trunk, perineum, and lower extremity injuries. The older population had a greater injury severity, longer length of hospital stay, and higher in-hospital mortality rate. Similar trends were observed in the very old population. Conclusion: This study elucidated the characteristics of burn injuries, which included injury mechanisms and anatomical burn sites, among elderly individuals.