Racial and gender differences for mortality in geriatric burn patients.

Abstract

Introduction: Previous literature has described racial and gender differences in burn injuries. This study aims to assess burn mortality rates in geriatric patients, assessing the potential differences in race or gender. Our team hypothesizes that females and African Americans will have significantly higher risk for mortality over ten years.

Method: Using data from the TriNetX Diamond Network database, we analyzed geriatric patients (≥65 years) diagnosed with burns (T31.0 - T31.9) from May 6, 2014 to May 6, 2024. Patients were stratified into two five-year intervals (2014-2019 and 2019-2024) to examine changes in racial and gender disparities. Cohorts were stratified by gender and race, with propensity score matching ensuring comparability. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and relative risk, was conducted to compare outcomes, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Among 26,782 geriatric burn patients identified with 56.15 % males and 14.78 % of African Americans, the overall mortality rate was 9.2 %. Within the last five years, African American geriatric burn patients showed a significantly higher risk of mortality (20.2 % vs. 8.4 %, RR 95 % CI 1.864 - 3.003, p = 0.0002) relative to white geriatric burn Additionally, within the last five years, female geriatric burn patients showed a significantly higher risk of mortality (10.1 % vs. 7.7 %, RR 95 % CI 1.172-1.86, p < 0.0001) compared to males.

Conclusion: Racial and gender influence outcomes burn injuries for geriatric burn patients. Though overall mortality rates dropped in geriatric burn patients, the specific population gained attention in care management.