General characteristics of paint thinner burns: Single center experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to present characteristic features and risk factors of paint thinner burns in order to raise awareness and help prevent these injuries.

METHODS: Records of patients admitted to the burn unit due to paint thinner burns were retrospectively reviewed, and patients with comprehensive data available were included in the study. Total of 48 patients (3 female and 45 male) with mean age of 27.79±11.49 years (range: 4-58 years) were included in the study.

RESULTS: Mean total hospitalization period was 30.25±27.11 days (range: 3-110 days), and mean total burn surface area was 32.53±24.06% (range: 3.0-90.0%). In 31 cases (64.6%), intensive care unit admission was required. Among all 48 patients, 9 (18.8%) died in hospital and remaining 38 were discharged after treatment. Primary cause of death was septicemia (n=7) or respiratory failure (n=6). Inhalation injury was present in 12 of the patients, 6 of whom died (50%). Statistically significant differences were found between expired and discharged patients when compared for presence of inhalation injury (p=0.01) and septicemia (p=0.031).

CONCLUSION: Ignition of paint thinner is an important cause of burn injuries that may result in very severe clinical picture. Patients require prompt and careful treatment. Clinicians should be aware that inhalation injury and sepsis are the 2 main factors affecting mortality rate in this group of patients. With increased awareness, preventive measures may be defined. Further studies are warranted to decrease mortality rate in this subgroup of burn patients.