Prognostic factors for amputation in severe burn patients.

Abstract Introduction Amputation is a rare procedure among burned patients. However, it has significant physical and psychological consequences which impact quality of life. Objective To study the incidence, etiology and prognostic factors associated with amputation among burned patients in Chile. Methods Cohort study of patients admitted to the Reference Burn Center of Chile from 2006 to 2011. Association of demographic, event and injury variables with the likelihood of amputation were evaluated by using multivariable analysis. Results Amputation incidence was 5.8% in 1090 admitted patients. Male amputee patients were significantly more frequent ( p  = 0.01), with more electrical and high voltage burns ( p p  = 0.03). Multivariable analysis identified electrical burns (OR 13.7; 95% CI 6.7–28.1) and impaired consciousness (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.4–5.7) as prognostic factors for amputation. Conclusion Amputation is a low incidence procedure among burned patients. Patients who underwent amputations are frequently at working age. Patients with high-voltage electrical burns and impaired consciousness are more likely to undergo amputation. Since these are highly incapacitating injuries, it is very important to implement preventive measures.