Self-inflicted burns, outcome and cost

Introduction Self-inflicted burns represent a small number of total admissions to a burns unit, yet they constitute a major workload. Methods A retrospective analysis of self-inflicted burns admitted between 1998 and 2002. Results One thousand six hundred and fifty six patients were admitted with acute burn injuries, of these 56 were self-inflicted. 24 patients had a previous history of self-harming and 22 were unemployed. History of a psychiatric illness was found in 46 patients. Flames caused 46 out of 56 injuries. Mean total body surface area (TBSA) was 27%. Approximately 39% needed admission to intensive care unit (ICU). The mortality rate was 25%. On discharge, 29% of the patients re-self harmed. Conclusion Self-inflicted burns have a poorer outcome. Improving the psychiatric and social support can reduce the incidence of self-harming behaviour, its repetitiveness and subsequently the cost of burn care.