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Anthony G Charles - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the association between Burn Unit census and operative intervention in a resource limited setting
    World Journal of Surgery, 2021
    Co-Authors: Jared R Gallaher, Laura N Purcell, Wone Banda, Trista Reid, Anthony G Charles
    Abstract:

    The relationship between hospital volume and outcomes remains unclear in the delivery of Burn care in resource-limited settings, where demand often exceeds capacity. We sought to characterize the association between Burn patient volume and the use of operative intervention at a tertiary Burn Unit in Malawi. This study examined patients admitted to Kamuzu Central Hospital located in Lilongwe, Malawi, over years 2011–2019. We described the association between the census at the time of admission and the use of operative intervention, as well as the time to operation. Patient census was defined as low (≤ 15 patients), medium (16–29 patients), and high (≥ 30 patients). A total of 2484 patients were included. The mean daily Burn Unit census was 22.5 patients (SD 6.6) and varied significantly by season. For the medium and high census, the adjusted risk ratio of undergoing surgery was 0.79 (95% CI 0.64, 0.97) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.49, 0.85), respectively, adjusted for flame Burn, age, %TBSA, and delayed presentation. At a low admission census, the adjusted mean time to operation was 17.2 days (95% CI 14.4, 20.1) compared to 28.3 days (95% CI 25.4, 31.2) at a high census. In a resource-limited setting, an increasing mean daily census significantly reduced the use of operative intervention and increased time to operation, potentially increasing Burn-associated morbidity. In order to improve the quality of Burn care in similar environments, improved resource allocation during busier seasons and targeted Burn prevention efforts are imperative.

  • the effect of pre existing malnutrition on pediatric Burn mortality in a sub saharan african Burn Unit
    Burns, 2017
    Co-Authors: Joanna Grudziak, Jared R Gallaher, Anthony G Charles, Carolyn Snock, Stephen Mjuweni, Bruce A Cairns
    Abstract:

    Abstract Introduction Nutritional status predicts Burn outcomes in the developed world, but its effect on Burn mortality in the developing world has not been widely studied. In sub Saharan Africa, Burn is primarily a disease of children, and the majority of children in sub-Saharan Africa are malnourished. We therefore sought to determine the prevalence and effect of malnutrition on Burn mortality at our institution. Methods This is a retrospective review of children aged 0–5, with anthropomorphic measurements available, who were admitted to our Burn Unit from July 2011 to May 2016. Age-adjusted Z scores were calculated for height, weight, weight for height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Following bivariate analysis, we used logistic regression to construct a fully adjusted model of predictors of mortality. Results Of the 1357 admitted patients, 839 (61.2%) were aged 0–5. Of those, 512 (62.9%) had one or more anthropomorphic measurements available, and were included in the analysis. 54% were male, and the median age was 28 months. The median TBSA was 15%, with a majority of Burns caused by scalds (77%). Mortality was 16%. Average Z-score for any of the indicators of malnutrition was −1.45 ± 1.66. TBSA (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.11), decreasing Z-score (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.41), and flame Burn (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.49) were associated with an increase in mortality. Conclusion Preexisting malnutrition in Burn patients in sub-Saharan Africa increases odds of mortality after controlling for significant covariates. Survival of Burn patients in this region will not reach that of the developed world until a strategy of aggressive nutritional support is implemented in this population.

  • pre Burn malnutrition increases operative mortality in Burn patients who undergo early excision and grafting in a sub saharan african Burn Unit
    Burns, 2017
    Co-Authors: Jared R Gallaher, Laura N Purcell, Wone Banda, Joanna Grudziak, Carolyn Snock, Bruce A Cairns, Tiyamike Zalinga, Anthony G Charles
    Abstract:

    Abstract Introduction In the developed world, pre-existing malnutrition in the Burn population influences operative outcomes. However, studies on pre-existing malnutrition and operative outcomes of Burn patients in the developing world are lacking. We therefore sought to characterize the Burn injury outcomes following operative intervention based on nutritional status. Methods This is a retrospective review of operative patients admitted to our Burn Unit from July 2011 to May 2016. Age-adjusted Z scores were calculated for height, weight, weight for height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Following bivariate analysis, we constructed a fully adjusted logistic regression model of significant predictors of post-operative mortality, both overall and for specific age categories. Results Of the 1356 admitted patients, 393 received operative intervention (29%). Of those, 205 (52.2%) were male, and the median age was 6 years (3, 25), with 265 patients (67%) aged ≤16 years. The median TBSA was 15.4% (10%–25%) and open flames caused the majority of Burns (64%), though in children under 5, scalds were the predominant cause of Burn (52.2%). Overall mortality was 14.5% (57 patients) and ranged from 9.09% for patients aged 6–16, to 33.3% for adults ≥50 years. Increased time from injury to operative intervention was protective (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.99). In post-operative patients with z-scores, increasing %TBSA Burned (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.17) and increasing malnutrition (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.91) predicted death in the adjusted model. Conclusion Poor nutrition is an important risk factor for post-operative mortality in Burned patients in resource-poor settings. Screening for malnutrition and designing effective interventions to optimize nutritional status may improve surgical outcomes in LMIC Burn patients.

  • qualitative analysis of a psychological supportive counseling group for Burn survivors and families in malawi
    Burns, 2017
    Co-Authors: Brian S Barnett, Michelle Kiser, Macjellings Mulenga, Anthony G Charles
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective While psychological care, including supportive group therapy, is a mainstay of Burn treatment in the developed world, few reports of support groups for Burn survivors and their caregivers in the developing world exist. This study records the findings of a support group in Malawi and provides a qualitative analysis of thematic content discussed by Burn survivors and caregivers. Materials and methods We established a support group for Burn survivors and caregivers from February–May 2012 in the Burn Unit at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Sessions were held weekly for twelve weeks and led by a Malawian counselor. The group leader compiled transcripts of each session and these transcripts were qualitatively analyzed for thematic information. Results Thematic analysis demonstrated a variety of psychological issues discussed by both survivors and caregivers. Caregivers discussed themes of guilt and self-blame for their children’s injuries, worries about emotional distance now created between caregiver and survivor, fears that hospital admission meant likely patient death and concerns about their child’s future and Burn associated stigma. Burn survivors discussed frustration with long hospitalization courses, hope created through interactions with hospital staff, the association between mental and physical health, rumination about their injuries and how this would affect their future, decreased self-value, increased focus on their own mortality and family interpersonal difficulties. Conclusions The establishment of a support group in our Burn Unit provided a venue for Burn survivors and their families to discuss subjective experiences, as well as the dissemination of various coping techniques. Burn survivors and their caregivers in Malawi would benefit from the establishment of similar groups in the future to help address the psychological sequelae of Burns.

  • Burn care delivery in a sub saharan african Unit a cost analysis study
    International Journal of Surgery, 2015
    Co-Authors: Jared R Gallaher, Anthony G Charles, Stephen Mjuweni, Bruce A Cairns
    Abstract:

    Abstract Introduction There are significant resource challenges to Burn surgical care delivery in low and middle-income countries at baseline and only a few Burn cost analysis studies from sub-Saharan Africa have been performed. Methods This is a retrospective database analysis of prospectively collected data from all patients recorded in the Burn registry between June 2011 and August 2014 located at the Kamuzu Central Hospital Burn Unit in Lilongwe, Malawi. We utilized activity-based costing, a bottom-up cost analysis methodology with cost allocation that allows determination of Unit cost or cost per service. Results 905 patients were admitted to the Burn Unit during the study period. The calculated total monthly Burn expenditure for all cost centers was $11,622.66. Per day, the total Unit cost was $387.42 with a mean daily per-patient cost of $24.26 (SD ± $6.44). Consequently, the mean cost per in-patient admission was $559.85 (SD ± $736.17). The mean daily cost per 1% total Burn surface per patient at our center is $2.65 (SD ± $3.01). Discussion This Burn care cost analysis study helps quantify the relative contribution of differing cost centers that comprise Burn care delivery and hospital costs in a sub-Saharan African setting. Accurate and relevant cost information on hospital services at the patient level is therefore fundamental for policy makers, payers, and hospitals. Conclusion Our study has demonstrated that comprehensive Burn care is possible at a cost much lower than found in other Burn centers in low or middle-income countries and can be sustained with moderate funding.

Jose A. Vazquez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • differential in vitro activity of anidulafungin caspofungin and micafungin against candida parapsilosis isolates recovered from a Burn Unit
    Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009
    Co-Authors: Mahmoud A Ghannoum, Jose A. Vazquez, A Chen, M Buhari, Jyotsna Chandra, Pranab K Mukherjee, D Baxa, A Golembieski
    Abstract:

    Recent studies suggest that differences in antifungal activity among echinocandins may exist. In this study, the activities of three echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin) against Candida parapsilosis isolates from Burn Unit patients, healthcare workers and the hospital environment were determined. Additionally, the effect of these echinocandins on the cell morphology of caspofungin-susceptible and caspofungin-non-susceptible isolates was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The C. parapsilosis isolates obtained from patients were susceptible to anidulafungin, but were less so to caspofungin and micafungin. Isolates obtained from healthcare workers or environmental sources were susceptible to all antifungals. SEM data demonstrated that although anidulafungin and caspofungin were equally active against a caspofungin-susceptible C. parapsilosis strain, they differed in their ability to damage a caspofungin-non-susceptible strain, for which lower concentrations of anidulafungin (1 mg/L) than of caspofungin (16 mg/L) were needed to induce cellular damage and distortion of the cellular morphology. To determine whether the difference in the antifungal susceptibility of C. parapsilosis isolates to anidulafungin as compared to the other two echinocandins could be due to different mutations in the FKS1 gene, the sequences of the 493-bp region of this gene associated with echinocandin resistance were compared. No differences in the corresponding amino acid sequences were observed, indicating that differences in activity between anidulafungin and the other echinocandins are not related to mutations in this region. The results of this study provide evidence that differences exist between the activities of anidulafungin and the other echinocandins.

  • differential in vitro activity of anidulafungin caspofungin and micafungin against candida parapsilosis isolates recovered from a Burn Unit
    Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009
    Co-Authors: Mahmoud A Ghannoum, Jose A. Vazquez, A Chen, M Buhari, Jyotsna Chandra, Pranab K Mukherjee, D Baxa, A Golembieski
    Abstract:

    Recent studies suggest that differences in antifungal activity among echinocandins may exist. In this study, the activities of three echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin) against Candida parapsilosis isolates from Burn Unit patients, healthcare workers and the hospital environment were determined. Additionally, the effect of these echinocandins on the cell morphology of caspofungin-susceptible and caspofungin-non-susceptible isolates was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The C. parapsilosis isolates obtained from patients were susceptible to anidulafungin, but were less so to caspofungin and micafungin. Isolates obtained from healthcare workers or environmental sources were susceptible to all antifungals. SEM data demonstrated that although anidulafungin and caspofungin were equally active against a caspofungin-susceptible C. parapsilosis strain, they differed in their ability to damage a caspofungin-non-susceptible strain, for which lower concentrations of anidulafungin (1 mg/L) than of caspofungin (16 mg/L) were needed to induce cellular damage and distortion of the cellular morphology. To determine whether the difference in the antifungal susceptibility of C. parapsilosis isolates to anidulafungin as compared to the other two echinocandins could be due to different mutations in the FKS1 gene, the sequences of the 493-bp region of this gene associated with echinocandin resistance were compared. No differences in the corresponding amino acid sequences were observed, indicating that differences in activity between anidulafungin and the other echinocandins are not related to mutations in this region. The results of this study provide evidence that differences exist between the activities of anidulafungin and the other echinocandins.

Amr Mabrouk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • an epidemiologic study of elderly Burn patients in ain shams university Burn Unit cairo egypt
    Burns, 2003
    Co-Authors: Amr Mabrouk, Anthony Maher, Salah Nasser
    Abstract:

    Recent statistics from Egypt indicate that elderly persons comprise 5.8% of the general population. Elderly patients remain a high-risk group in all Burn Units. This prospective study investigated geriatric Burn patients (defined as 60 years and older) who were present at our center between May 1995 and October 2001. Of the 4220 patients who were present during this period, 97 (2.3%) were elderly, and 63 (7.1%) of the 880 total admitted were geriatrics. Of the 97 elderly Burn patients who were present during the study period, 31 died (mortality rate 31.9%). Other epidemiological data, including duration of hospitalization, seasonal and day/hour variation in Burn incidence and Burn causes and accident site are presented. Ideas for management and prevention are also presented.

  • colonization of Burn wounds in ain shams university Burn Unit
    Burns, 2003
    Co-Authors: Salah Nasser, Amr Mabrouk, Ashraf Maher
    Abstract:

    A prospective study was carried out on 70 Burned patients admitted to the Burn Unit, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, with the aim to verify the pattern of microbial colonization of Burn wounds. Throughout the study period starting from 1 June 1999 till 31 May 2001, 281 sampling procedures (surface swabs) were performed from the Burn wounds. A total of 301 microbial isolates were grown in cultures. Eight different species of bacteria, and only one species of Candida (C. albicans) were detected. There was no incidence of recovery of anaerobic microorganisms. Our results revealed that the most frequent isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.6%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.2%), then Escherichia coli (13.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.2%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (11.6%), Streptococcus pyogenes (8.3%), Enterobacter species (6.6%), and lastly Streptococcus faecalis and Candida albicans (5.9 and 3.6%, respectively). Studying the time-related changes in Burn wound microbial colonization showed an initial predominance of gram-positive cocci upon admission (70.7%) over gram-negative bacilli (27.6%). During the first 5 days, gram-negative bacilli started to predominate (55.7%) over gram-positive cocci (40.3%). Burn wound sampling performed starting from the sixth day onwards, revealed further prevalence of gram-negative bacilli (72.7%) over gram-positive cocci (22.7%). As for Candida albicans, there was a gradual increase in the frequency of its recovery as time elapsed from admission. It is crucial for every Burn institution to determine the specific pattern of Burn wound microbial colonization, the time-related changes in the dominant flora, and the antimicrobial sensitivity profiles. This would enable early treatment of imminent septic episodes with proper empirical systemic antibiotics, without waiting for culture results, thus improving the overall infection-related morbidity and mortality.

  • epidemiology of childhood Burns in the Burn Unit of ain shams university in cairo egypt
    Burns, 1998
    Co-Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Salah Eldin Elbadawy, Amr Mabrouk
    Abstract:

    Childhood Burns in Egypt are a significant problem, especially in families of low socioeconomic status. These families live in overcrowded flats, which lack proper hygiene and tend to use kerosene stoves, which lack any safety measures. Three hundred and five Burned children presented to the Burn Unit of Ain Shams University over a 20 month period. Proportionately more boys than girls were injured. There was an increase in the incidence between the ages of 4 to 6 years. Scalds formed 56.7% of the cause of Burns, while 38.6% were due to flame. In 3 and 1.6% the cause of Burn was electrical and chemical, respectively. 20 patients were victims of industrial accidents showing a major problem of entrance of children between 8-15 years of lower socioeconomic class into the labor force. 87.2% of the patients had minor Burns while 13 children (4.3%) died of the consequences of Burns during the period of the study.

Salah Nasser - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • an epidemiologic study of elderly Burn patients in ain shams university Burn Unit cairo egypt
    Burns, 2003
    Co-Authors: Amr Mabrouk, Anthony Maher, Salah Nasser
    Abstract:

    Recent statistics from Egypt indicate that elderly persons comprise 5.8% of the general population. Elderly patients remain a high-risk group in all Burn Units. This prospective study investigated geriatric Burn patients (defined as 60 years and older) who were present at our center between May 1995 and October 2001. Of the 4220 patients who were present during this period, 97 (2.3%) were elderly, and 63 (7.1%) of the 880 total admitted were geriatrics. Of the 97 elderly Burn patients who were present during the study period, 31 died (mortality rate 31.9%). Other epidemiological data, including duration of hospitalization, seasonal and day/hour variation in Burn incidence and Burn causes and accident site are presented. Ideas for management and prevention are also presented.

  • colonization of Burn wounds in ain shams university Burn Unit
    Burns, 2003
    Co-Authors: Salah Nasser, Amr Mabrouk, Ashraf Maher
    Abstract:

    A prospective study was carried out on 70 Burned patients admitted to the Burn Unit, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, with the aim to verify the pattern of microbial colonization of Burn wounds. Throughout the study period starting from 1 June 1999 till 31 May 2001, 281 sampling procedures (surface swabs) were performed from the Burn wounds. A total of 301 microbial isolates were grown in cultures. Eight different species of bacteria, and only one species of Candida (C. albicans) were detected. There was no incidence of recovery of anaerobic microorganisms. Our results revealed that the most frequent isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.6%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.2%), then Escherichia coli (13.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.2%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (11.6%), Streptococcus pyogenes (8.3%), Enterobacter species (6.6%), and lastly Streptococcus faecalis and Candida albicans (5.9 and 3.6%, respectively). Studying the time-related changes in Burn wound microbial colonization showed an initial predominance of gram-positive cocci upon admission (70.7%) over gram-negative bacilli (27.6%). During the first 5 days, gram-negative bacilli started to predominate (55.7%) over gram-positive cocci (40.3%). Burn wound sampling performed starting from the sixth day onwards, revealed further prevalence of gram-negative bacilli (72.7%) over gram-positive cocci (22.7%). As for Candida albicans, there was a gradual increase in the frequency of its recovery as time elapsed from admission. It is crucial for every Burn institution to determine the specific pattern of Burn wound microbial colonization, the time-related changes in the dominant flora, and the antimicrobial sensitivity profiles. This would enable early treatment of imminent septic episodes with proper empirical systemic antibiotics, without waiting for culture results, thus improving the overall infection-related morbidity and mortality.

Jared R Gallaher - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the association between Burn Unit census and operative intervention in a resource limited setting
    World Journal of Surgery, 2021
    Co-Authors: Jared R Gallaher, Laura N Purcell, Wone Banda, Trista Reid, Anthony G Charles
    Abstract:

    The relationship between hospital volume and outcomes remains unclear in the delivery of Burn care in resource-limited settings, where demand often exceeds capacity. We sought to characterize the association between Burn patient volume and the use of operative intervention at a tertiary Burn Unit in Malawi. This study examined patients admitted to Kamuzu Central Hospital located in Lilongwe, Malawi, over years 2011–2019. We described the association between the census at the time of admission and the use of operative intervention, as well as the time to operation. Patient census was defined as low (≤ 15 patients), medium (16–29 patients), and high (≥ 30 patients). A total of 2484 patients were included. The mean daily Burn Unit census was 22.5 patients (SD 6.6) and varied significantly by season. For the medium and high census, the adjusted risk ratio of undergoing surgery was 0.79 (95% CI 0.64, 0.97) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.49, 0.85), respectively, adjusted for flame Burn, age, %TBSA, and delayed presentation. At a low admission census, the adjusted mean time to operation was 17.2 days (95% CI 14.4, 20.1) compared to 28.3 days (95% CI 25.4, 31.2) at a high census. In a resource-limited setting, an increasing mean daily census significantly reduced the use of operative intervention and increased time to operation, potentially increasing Burn-associated morbidity. In order to improve the quality of Burn care in similar environments, improved resource allocation during busier seasons and targeted Burn prevention efforts are imperative.

  • the effect of pre existing malnutrition on pediatric Burn mortality in a sub saharan african Burn Unit
    Burns, 2017
    Co-Authors: Joanna Grudziak, Jared R Gallaher, Anthony G Charles, Carolyn Snock, Stephen Mjuweni, Bruce A Cairns
    Abstract:

    Abstract Introduction Nutritional status predicts Burn outcomes in the developed world, but its effect on Burn mortality in the developing world has not been widely studied. In sub Saharan Africa, Burn is primarily a disease of children, and the majority of children in sub-Saharan Africa are malnourished. We therefore sought to determine the prevalence and effect of malnutrition on Burn mortality at our institution. Methods This is a retrospective review of children aged 0–5, with anthropomorphic measurements available, who were admitted to our Burn Unit from July 2011 to May 2016. Age-adjusted Z scores were calculated for height, weight, weight for height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Following bivariate analysis, we used logistic regression to construct a fully adjusted model of predictors of mortality. Results Of the 1357 admitted patients, 839 (61.2%) were aged 0–5. Of those, 512 (62.9%) had one or more anthropomorphic measurements available, and were included in the analysis. 54% were male, and the median age was 28 months. The median TBSA was 15%, with a majority of Burns caused by scalds (77%). Mortality was 16%. Average Z-score for any of the indicators of malnutrition was −1.45 ± 1.66. TBSA (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.11), decreasing Z-score (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.41), and flame Burn (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.49) were associated with an increase in mortality. Conclusion Preexisting malnutrition in Burn patients in sub-Saharan Africa increases odds of mortality after controlling for significant covariates. Survival of Burn patients in this region will not reach that of the developed world until a strategy of aggressive nutritional support is implemented in this population.

  • pre Burn malnutrition increases operative mortality in Burn patients who undergo early excision and grafting in a sub saharan african Burn Unit
    Burns, 2017
    Co-Authors: Jared R Gallaher, Laura N Purcell, Wone Banda, Joanna Grudziak, Carolyn Snock, Bruce A Cairns, Tiyamike Zalinga, Anthony G Charles
    Abstract:

    Abstract Introduction In the developed world, pre-existing malnutrition in the Burn population influences operative outcomes. However, studies on pre-existing malnutrition and operative outcomes of Burn patients in the developing world are lacking. We therefore sought to characterize the Burn injury outcomes following operative intervention based on nutritional status. Methods This is a retrospective review of operative patients admitted to our Burn Unit from July 2011 to May 2016. Age-adjusted Z scores were calculated for height, weight, weight for height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Following bivariate analysis, we constructed a fully adjusted logistic regression model of significant predictors of post-operative mortality, both overall and for specific age categories. Results Of the 1356 admitted patients, 393 received operative intervention (29%). Of those, 205 (52.2%) were male, and the median age was 6 years (3, 25), with 265 patients (67%) aged ≤16 years. The median TBSA was 15.4% (10%–25%) and open flames caused the majority of Burns (64%), though in children under 5, scalds were the predominant cause of Burn (52.2%). Overall mortality was 14.5% (57 patients) and ranged from 9.09% for patients aged 6–16, to 33.3% for adults ≥50 years. Increased time from injury to operative intervention was protective (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.99). In post-operative patients with z-scores, increasing %TBSA Burned (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.17) and increasing malnutrition (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.91) predicted death in the adjusted model. Conclusion Poor nutrition is an important risk factor for post-operative mortality in Burned patients in resource-poor settings. Screening for malnutrition and designing effective interventions to optimize nutritional status may improve surgical outcomes in LMIC Burn patients.

  • Burn care delivery in a sub saharan african Unit a cost analysis study
    International Journal of Surgery, 2015
    Co-Authors: Jared R Gallaher, Anthony G Charles, Stephen Mjuweni, Bruce A Cairns
    Abstract:

    Abstract Introduction There are significant resource challenges to Burn surgical care delivery in low and middle-income countries at baseline and only a few Burn cost analysis studies from sub-Saharan Africa have been performed. Methods This is a retrospective database analysis of prospectively collected data from all patients recorded in the Burn registry between June 2011 and August 2014 located at the Kamuzu Central Hospital Burn Unit in Lilongwe, Malawi. We utilized activity-based costing, a bottom-up cost analysis methodology with cost allocation that allows determination of Unit cost or cost per service. Results 905 patients were admitted to the Burn Unit during the study period. The calculated total monthly Burn expenditure for all cost centers was $11,622.66. Per day, the total Unit cost was $387.42 with a mean daily per-patient cost of $24.26 (SD ± $6.44). Consequently, the mean cost per in-patient admission was $559.85 (SD ± $736.17). The mean daily cost per 1% total Burn surface per patient at our center is $2.65 (SD ± $3.01). Discussion This Burn care cost analysis study helps quantify the relative contribution of differing cost centers that comprise Burn care delivery and hospital costs in a sub-Saharan African setting. Accurate and relevant cost information on hospital services at the patient level is therefore fundamental for policy makers, payers, and hospitals. Conclusion Our study has demonstrated that comprehensive Burn care is possible at a cost much lower than found in other Burn centers in low or middle-income countries and can be sustained with moderate funding.