Epidemiology and Outcomes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Burns at a Regional Burn Center in Karachi: A One-Year Retrospective Review: Epidemiology and Outcomes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Burns

Samia Tasleem; Sadaf Gulzar; Saba Kiran; Minha Murtaza; Amber Bawa; Jameeat Mal

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i10.3188

Authors

Samia Tasleem Burns Center, Karachi, Pakistan
Sadaf Gulzar Burns Center, Karachi, Pakistan
Saba Kiran Burns Center, Karachi, Pakistan
Minha Murtaza Burns Center, Karachi, Pakistan
Amber Bawa Burns Center, Karachi, Pakistan
Jameeat Mal Burns Center, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i10.3188

Keywords:

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG Burns, Epidemiology, Burn Management, Burn Outcomes, Cylinder Explosion, Thermal Injury

Abstract

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) burns have increased significantly in recent years, posing substantial public health challenges, particularly in resource-constrained environments such as Pakistan. Understanding the epidemiology and clinical profile of LPG burns can guide effective preventive and management strategies. Objectives: To analyze demographic and clinical features of LPG-related burn injuries and assess patient outcomes following treatment. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital’s burn center in Karachi. Records from January 1 to December 31, 2022, were reviewed using convenience sampling. Demographic details, injury mechanisms, accident location, delay before hospital admission, total body surface area (TBSA) burned, anatomical injury sites, treatment interventions, and patient outcomes were analyzed. Results: Among 159 LPG burn patients, 108 (67.9%) were male. Children accounted for 38 (23.9%), while young adults comprised 79 (49.7%). Most patients, 93 (58.5%), belonged to low socioeconomic backgrounds, and 97 (61.0%) worked as laborers. Gas leaks caused most injuries, with 135 (84.9%) patients suffering deep, full-thickness burns involving more than 25% TBSA. Skin grafting was performed in 55 patients (56.7%), tangential excision in 36 (37.1%), and amputation in 6 (6.1%). The overall mortality rate was 62 (38.9%). Conclusions: LPG-related burns at our center are characterized by extensive full-thickness injuries and high mortality. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety regulations, routine equipment inspection, and targeted community education to prevent LPG burn incidents.

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