Adding fuel to the fire: The impact of alcohol consumption on outcomes after hand burns - A retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

Alcohol abuse is a common comorbidity among burn patients. Elevated blood alcohol levels lead to increased inflammation, delayed wound healing, and prolonged recovery. However, knowledge about outcomes in hand burn patients is limited. Our study aims to analyze the association between alcohol consumption and its impact on outcomes of patients suffering hand burns. A retrospective analysis of patients admitted with hand burns from 2007 to 2024 was conducted. Patients were categorized into two groups based on blood alcohol content (BAC): low (<100 mg/dL) and high (≥100 mg/dL). Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes. Ninety-five patients (85.3 % male; mean age 43.8 ± 15.9 years) were included. Most hand burns were bilateral (58.9 %), and 7.4 % were isolated. No significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or ICU admission rates were observed between BAC groups. Full-thickness burns were significantly more frequent in the high BAC group (15.7 % vs. 2.3 %, P = 0.035). The high BAC group had a longer hospital stay (22.3 ± 23.1 vs. 13.6 ± 16.2 days, P = 0.038), higher rates of inpatient rehabilitation (50.0 % vs. 24.3 %, P = 0.023) and poorer functional outcomes (Quick DASH, 19.0 ± 4.0 vs. 17.1 ± 4.5, P = 0.033). Elevated BAC in hand burn patients is associated with longer hospital stays, more severe burn depth, and worse functional outcomes. Implementing targeted interventions, such as alcohol withdrawal management and enhanced therapy protocols, could improve patient outcomes in this high-risk group.