What is the highest risk factor contributing to mortality from burn injuries in older adults?

The highest risk factor contributing to mortality from burn injuries in older adults is preexisting medical conditions. As individuals age, they are more likely to have underlying health issues such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, or diabetes, which can significantly complicate their recovery from burn injuries. These conditions can impair healing, increase susceptibility to infections, and make it more challenging for the body to cope with the stress of both the burn injury and the treatments involved.

Older adults often have a reduced physiological reserve, meaning their bodies may not respond as effectively to stressors, including trauma from burns. Therefore, the presence of chronic medical issues greatly heightens the risk of mortality in these cases, overshadowing other factors that might also be detrimental but do not carry the same level of immediate risk during the post-burn recovery phase.

While factors like age over 55 years, increased adipose tissue, and musculoskeletal injuries can contribute to overall risk, the compounding effect of preexisting conditions on an individual’s response to burn injuries makes it the most critical factor influencing mortality in older adults.