Neglected Burns in Cameroon: Epidemiological, Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes

What is known. Delayed presentation for burn care in resource-limited settings leads to advanced "neglected burns," which are presumed to increase complication and death rates. The problem addressed. There is a lack of detailed, prospective data on the specific epidemiological profile, microbiological landscape, and sequence of complications that characterize neglected burns in Cameroonian populations. What this study adds. This prospective study of 132 patients in Cameroon found neglected burns constituted 46.5% of admissions, with a mean 72-hour delay. Financial barriers (40%) and traditional medicine use (20%) were key factors. On admission, 65% had severe infection, primarily with P. aeruginosa (56%) and K. pneumoniae (24%). Subsequently, 30% developed ARDS. Mortality was high, with deaths peaking in the first post-admission week. Implications. This evidence mandates a dual strategy: public health initiatives to promote immediate first aid and discourage harmful traditional practices, and clinical reinforcement of protocols for early gram-negative coverage, vigilant fluid resuscitation, and proactive respiratory support in the first critical week of care. This publication is available in full in Health Sciences and Disease.