BURN INJURIES IN EGYPT - INCIDENCE AND MANAGEMENT

Annals ofthe M.B.C - vol. I - n° 1 - September 1987

BURN INJURIES IN EGYPT - INCIDENCE AND MANAGEMENT

Reda Mabrouk AW

Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit - 33 EI Ahram Street, Helipolis, Cairo

SUMMARY. Burn injuries in Egypt represent a major problem as compared with heart diseases, malignancy and road accidents. St~ili,-,tic:il studies reveal that about 0.1% of the total population are affected by major burns. Death rate is still high, about 30%. Of the saved 1)~tlieiil,; 36% need later reconstruction. Domestic causes are responsible for 75% of the injuries, the rest are caused by industrial and road A report was presented to the Ministry of Public Health in 1984 showing these facts. It discussed the prophyiactic measures and the ffit.), expenses of treatment which could not be afTorded by individuals. It emphasized the responsibility of the government and organizations for burn management. The authorities, agreeing with the report, have adopted a plan for prophylaxis and have started burn units and centres in different localities depending on the population and statistical studies of' the injury incidence.

The seriousness of burn injuries in Egypt has been always appreciated. The importance given by ancient Egyptians is recorded in different archaeological sites in Sahara and Upper Egypt.
Recently, the authorities asked the Medical Committee of the National council to study the problem of burn injuries. I was honoured to take over the responsibility for this study. The following communication is a r&sum& of the report presented to the government and the steps taken accordingly.
One out of 900 persons is affected by a major burn - a very high incidence if compared with the U.S.A. incidence where the rate is one in 2800.
Statistical studies show that:
the average stay in hospital is 45 days;
the death rate is very high - about 30/36% of the injured need later reconstructive surgery.
Domestic causes are responsible for 75% of the injuries, comprising mainly children and housewives. The rest are caused in appreciable percentage especially in young females - the cases are very difficulty to treat.

Recommendations

The report emphasizes the high expense of treatmerit which is beyond the individual's financial capacities. It recommends that the management of burn injuries should be the Government's and Medical Insurance Organizations' responsibility. The recommendations may be summarized as follows:

I Prophylaxis and Prevention

1) Statistical studies of the causes of burns indifferent areas of file country;
2) More attention should he paid to industrial security especially for domestic appliances, with strict control over the execution of laws concerning industrial security;
3) Good, appealing and effective propaganda through T.V., radio and the Press;
4) Development of security measures in building in villages and in cities

II Treatment facilities

1) Establishment of a burn treatment programme to be executed by the general hospitals throughout the country, which should differ according to the local available facilities;
2) Establishment of more burn units and centres in areas proved to be statistically in need

Results of the Report;

Action Taken

The report was published in 1984 with the agreemerit of the authorities.
Before 1984 we had two Centres, one in Caiiro and another in Alexandria and three Burn Units. Ailer 1984 four Units were added in Cairo, Giza, Monopia and Sharkia Governorates and it is hoped to finish establishing another three Units by the end of' 1987.

RÉSUMÉ. Les brûlures en Egypte représentent un problème plus grave que les maladies de coeur, les accidents de la route et les tumeurs. Les statistiques ont relevé que 0.1% de toute la population a subi de graves brûlures. Le taux de mortalité est encore élevé, environ 30%. Des patients qui survivent 36% ont besoin d'une reconstitution. Ce sont les accidents de la vie domestique qui sont responsables Lie 75% de ces brûlures, le reste est causé par des accidents de la route ou du travail en usine. Un rapport, exposant ces faits, a été présenté au Ministère de la Santé Publique en 1984. On y parlait des mesures de prévention et de l'importance des frais de traitement qui pouvaient ne pas etre affrontés par les particuliers. On mettait l'accent sur les responsabilités du Gouvernement et des compagnies d'assurances pour le traitement des brûlures. Les autorités, en accord avec le rapport, ont adopté un plail de prévention et ont établi des centres dans différentes localités en fonction de la population et des statistiques d'accidents.