The Baux score for burns mortality prediction combines age and total body surface area (TBSA) burned. A revised Baux score >140 historically predicted high mortality. Which additional variable is included in the revised Baux score to improve predictive accuracy?
- A Presence of circumferential burns requiring escharotomy
- B Depth of burns (full-thickness versus superficial partial-thickness)
- C Inhalation injury (added as +17 to the sum of age + %TBSA) ✓
- D Time to first fluid resuscitation after injury
Correct answer: C. Inhalation injury (added as +17 to the sum of age + %TBSA)
Explanation
The revised Baux score (rBaux) = age + %TBSA + 17 (if inhalation injury is present). Inhalation injury is one of the most significant independent predictors of mortality in burns patients, approximately doubling the risk of death. The addition of 17 points for inhalation injury in the revised score was derived from large burns registry data. An rBaux score >140 is associated with predicted mortality exceeding 90%. This scoring assists in prognostic discussions and ICU triage decisions for major burns.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.