The Baux score is used to predict mortality in burn patients. For a 45-year-old patient with 40% TBSA burns, what is the Baux score and what approximate mortality does it predict?
- A Baux score 85; approximately 15% mortality
- B Baux score 85; approximately 50% mortality
- C Baux score 85; approximately 30% mortality ✓
- D Baux score 85; approximately 75% mortality
Explanation
The Baux score = age + %TBSA burned; here 45 + 40 = 85. The original Baux interpretation equates the score approximately to percentage mortality probability — a score of 85 predicts approximately 85% mortality in historical data; however, in modern burn units with improved resuscitation and intensive care, the revised Baux or LD50 (the score at which 50% mortality occurs) has improved to approximately 130–140 for young healthy adults. Contemporary data suggest a score of 85 is associated with approximately 30% mortality in specialized burn centers, making option C the best modern-era answer.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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