The History of Mortality Prognostic Scales in Severe Burns

The aim of this review was to highlight major steps in the modern history of mortality prediction inburns. We decided to draw eras in burn treatment with most important surgical achievements and development of prognostic scales. First decades of XXth century brought development in basic science, understanding of the backgrounds of burn disease and crucial steps in surgical techniques. Recognition of burn pathology was followed with progress in treatment. Main factors that predicted mortality were age and extend of burn. Nowadays, new technologies enter burn surgery and intensive care of burns. The prognosis of mortality in burned patients depends on many other factors. Nevertheless, easy prognostic scales are useful not only in predicting course of the treatment, but also in legal issues.