The effect of HIV infection on mortality and length of hospital stay in the adult burn unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath academic hospital

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2019-05-24

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Sanders, Claire Joy

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Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and burn injuries both represent significant public health concerns in South Africa. Studies showing the effect of HIV on the outcome of burns in Africa have been limited by small sample sizes with conflicting results. Objectives: To compare mortality and length of stay in HIV positive versus HIV negative burns patients admitted to the Adult Burn Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. To compare the mortality in HIV positive burn patients with high and low viral loads. Methods: Retrospective review of 204 patients admitted to the Adult Burn Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital from January 2012 until July 2015. Results: Of the 204 patients included in the study, 60 were HIV positive (29%) and 146 HIV negative (21%). Twelve HIV positive patients died (21.7%), compared with 22 of the HIV negative patients (15.3%). There was no statistical significance between the two groups (p=0.270). Length of stay was not statistically significant between the groups of patients (p=0.241) either. No significant conclusion could be drawn comparing mortality in patients with high versus low viral loads as very few patients had their viral loads tested. Conclusions: Although HIV positive patients showed a higher mortality rate, this difference was not statistically significant. Length of hospital stay was similar between the two groups.

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A research report submitted for the degree of Master of Medicine in the branch of General Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand,2019

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