Baux score in burn management: for a 70 kg patient aged 55 years with 40% TBSA full-thickness burns, what Baux score predicts approximately 50% mortality (LD50)?
- A Baux score = weight + %TBSA = 70 + 40 = 110
- B Baux score = age + %TBSA = 55 + 40 = 95; revised Baux score of 95 corresponds to approximately 50% predicted mortality ✓
- C Baux score = age + %TBSA + 17 for inhalation injury = 112
- D Baux score = age × % TBSA / 100
Explanation
The original Baux score = patient age + % TBSA burned; a score of 100 historically corresponded to approximately 50% mortality. Modern burn care has improved survival, but the Baux score remains a rapid bedside estimator. The Revised Baux score adds 17 points for inhalation injury (score = age + %TBSA + 17 if inhalation injury present), which substantially increases mortality prediction. For this patient without stated inhalation injury, Baux = 55 + 40 = 95, approximating 50% predicted mortality. Baux scores >140 are generally considered unsurvivable except in specialized burn centers.
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.