Risk Factors for Wound Infection in Outpatients With Lower Extremity Burns

Abstract

Background We sought to evaluate risk factors for wound infection in patients with lower extremity (LE) burn. Methods Adults presenting with LE burn from January 2014 to July 2015 were included. Data regarding demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes were obtained. The primary outcome was wound infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for wound infection. Results 317 patients were included with a mean age of 43 years and median total body surface area of .8%; 22 (7%) patients had a component of full-thickness (FT) burn; and 212 (67%) patients had below-the-knee (BTK) burn. The incidence of wound infection was 15%. The median time to infection was 5 days, and majority (61%) of the patients developed wound infection by day 5. Patients who developed wound infection were more likely to have an FT burn (22% vs. 5%, P < .001) and BTK burn (87% vs. 64%, P = .002), without a difference in other variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age (Odds ratio (OR) 1.02 and CI 1.00-1.04), presence of FT burn (OR 5.33 and CI 2.09-13.62), and BTK burn (OR 3.42 and CI 1.37-8.52) as independent risk factors for wound infection (area under the curve = .72). Conclusion Age, presence of FT burn, and BTK burn are independent risk factors for wound infection in outpatients with LE burns.