Foetomaternal Outcome in Pregnancy with Burn Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a state of an altered physiological process, and a burn injury during pregnancy, serves as an additive factor to this stressful state, such that it can directly or indirectly affect the feto-maternal outcome. Aim: To find out the effects of burn injury in pregnant females, in terms of maternal and foetal outcomes. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, done in collaboration with the Department of Surgery at Rajashri Dashrath Autonomous State Medical College, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, from September 2019 to November 2021, on 22 pregnant patients. All 22 confirmed cases of pregnancy with burn injury were included. Cases were evaluated in terms of age-wise distribution, parity, gestational age/ trimester of pregnancy, cause of burn injury, Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) distribution, the relation of TBSA distribution with foetal and maternal mortality, and events associated with the burn injury. Data was analysed using trial version of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: Mean age of pregnant patients with burns was 25.22±2.3 years. Thirteen (59.09%) patients with burn injuries were married for one to three years, incidence was more in primigravidae 14 (63.63%). Domestic violence and suicide attempts accounted for 12 (54.54%) cases. Kerosene and gas explosions were a major cause of burn injury, that is 16 (72.72%)and 5 (22.72%) respectively. Sixteen (72.72%) patients had burns with TBSA between 31-50%. Foetal mortality was 15 (68.18%) and maternal mortality was 14 (63.63%). Conclusion: Feto-maternal outcome was directly related to TBSA involved in burns. Illiteracy, and cultural practices like the use of earthen lamps, wood, and charcoal used for cooking, were some of the important causes of burn injury.