Electrical burns in adults.
Acta Chir Plast
; 65(2): 66-69, 2023.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37722902
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Electrical burns account for up to 10% of burns admissions worldwide and are a potentially serious mechanism of injury. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology, presentation, management and complications of electrical burn injuries in adults. MATERIAL ANDMETHODS:
A retrospective study of all adult patients with electrical burns admitted to a tertiary burns centre.RESULTS:
Eighty-two cases were identified. The mean age was 40 ± 2 years, 92.7% were males. The most common activities causing the injuries were work (39%) and do-it yourself activities (32%). A low voltage (< 1,000 W) power source was involved in 78% of cases. The mean total body surface area involved was 3 ± 0.3%. The head, hands, and other upper extremities were the body parts most frequently injured. The mean hospital stay was 2 ± 1days.CONCLUSION:
Electrical injury was an infrequent but potentially serious cause of injury in adults. Minor injuries were successfully managed non-operatively. Electrical burns in adults are mainly low voltage burns contracted by manual workers resulting in a flesh burn. Although rare, the loss of digits, neurological sequelae, cardiac arrhythmias and renal failure remain serious complications in a significant number of cases.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Queimaduras por Corrente Elétrica
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article