BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ability of the abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) to predict death among patients with severe burns remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to identify the association between the ABSI and mortality in severely burned patients. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched up to September 15, 2024. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined, and a subgroup analysis was conducted on the basis of age, ABSI grouping method and OR source. All the statistical analyses were performed with STATA version 15.0. RESULTS: Sixteen studies with 4011 cases were included in the analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that an elevated ABSI was significantly related to an increased risk of mortality (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.48-2.00
P <
0.001). In addition, subgroup analysis by age (adult: OR = 1.35, P <
0.001
child: OR = 68.40, P <
0.001), ABSI grouping method (dichotomous: OR = 16.14, P <
0.001
continuous: OR = 1.59, P <
0.001) and OR source (univariate: OR = 11.42, P = 0.015
multivariate: OR = 1.51, P <
0.001) yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: The ABSI serves as a reliable prognostic indicator in severely burned patients, and patients with an elevated ABSI are at increased risk of death.