Electrical burns in adults.

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 AND METHODS: 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.

Sociodemographic and culture results of paediatric burns.

Paediatric burn wounds are challenging conditions to manage for both the doctors and patients and can cause several complications entailing a complicated treatment and recovery process. This study aims to evaluate sociodemographic conditions and antibiogram culture results of paediatric burn wounds. Our study retrospectively evaluated 419 paediatric patients with burns regarding age, gender, burn area and degree, total days spent in hospital, surgical history, final condition, additional disease history, previous attempts, and culture results with their antibiotic resistances, haemogram results, C-reactive protein results, sociocultural conditions, burned region of the body, and structure of the burn. The prominent observations were an increased rate of incidence in male patients and patients with low socioeconomic conditions, the highest incidence of burns from scalding and domestic accidents, and the highest incidence of third-degree burns. Furthermore, even though the most encountered burn types were extremity burns, the burn types with the highest culture growth ratio were the perineum burns. The dominant culture growth bacterial group was coagulase-negative staphylococcus, and the ratio of medication resistance was 67.8%. It is imperative to raise awareness regarding domestic accidents to prevent paediatric burn wounds. The mortality risk can be reduced by carefully monitoring multiple organ involvement and providing timely treatment. Moreover, appropriate wound care is warranted to avoid infection from skin flora.

Comparison of clinical findings in adult and paediatric burn victims.

AIM: We aimed to compare the epidemiological data, general characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of burn patients with ≤18 and >18 years of age. By this way, we also aimed to determine the effective preventive measures appropriate for different age groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The data of 630 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with 2nd or 3rd degree burn injuries were retrospectively investigated. The patients were grouped into two regarding their ages as ≤18 (group 1) and >18 (group 2) years. Data of age, gender, cause of injury, location of injury, total burn area, length of hospital stay, laboratory data, and outcome of treatment were recorded. RESULTS: We determined that although burn injury is more common in males compared with the females, male predominance is more commonly determined in older age group than children. Extremities are most commonly affected areas in both groups. In children, the most common etiological agent was hot beverages while in older age group electrical burns, and work accidents were more common (P < 0.001). Among children, patients younger than 3 years of age were compromising 62.4% of all cases. In adult group, total burned body surface area %, operation or intensive care unit requirement, hospitalization period, blood transfusion, or fresh frozen plasma requirement and the number of patients expired were all significantly higher compared with the children. Regarding the admission laboratory data, renal and liver function tests were significantly worse in older age group. However, neutrophile percentage was significantly higher in older group which may be a sign of augmented inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: Especially clinicians and public health providers should be aware of the clinical findings and outcomes of burn victims in order to drive more effective preventive measures.

Wound management and outcome of 595 electrical burns in a major burn center.

BACKGROUND: Electrical burns are important causes of trauma worldwide. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics, wound management, and outcome of electric burns. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed at the Institute of Burn Research of the Third Military Medical University during 2013-2015. Data including the demographics, injury patterns, wound treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 595 electrical burn patients (93.8% males) were included. The average age was 37.3 ± 14.6 y, and most patients (73.5%) were aged 19∼50 years. Most patients (67.2%) were injured in work-related circumstances. The mean total body surface area was 8.8 ± 11.8% and most wounds (63.5%) were full-thickness burns. Operation times of high-voltage burns and current burns were higher than those of low-voltage burns and arc burns, respectively. Of the 375 operated patients, 83.2% (n = 312) underwent skin autografting and 49.3% (n = 185) required skin flap coverage. Common types of skin flaps were adjacent (50.3%), random (42.2%), and pedicle (35.7%). Amputation was performed in 107 cases (18.0%) and concentrated on the hands (43.9%) and upper limbs (39.3%). The mean length of stay was 42.9 ± 46.3 d and only one death occurred (0.2%). Current burns and higher numbers of operations were major risk factors for amputation and length of stay, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical burns mainly affected adult males with occupational exposures in China. Skin autografts and various skin flaps were commonly used for electric burn wound management. More standardized and effective strategies of treatment and prevention are still needed to decrease amputation rates.

Prevalence and complications of MRI scans of cochlear implant patients : English version.

BACKGROUND: Cochlear implants (CI) are the preferred method of treatment for patients with severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and unilateral deafness. For many years, because of the magnetic field applied during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, MRI examinations were contraindicated for CI patients or feasible only under specific circumstances. MRI examinations of CI recipients entail complications and therefore preventive measures have to be considered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MRI scans in CI recipients and the occurrence of complications and furthermore to investigate the preventive measures taken in radiological daily routine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective questionnaire was sent to 482 patients that received CIs from 1999-2013. Details of the MRI examination and subjective and objective incidents during and after the MRI scan were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 204 CI recipients answered the retrospective questionnaire (42.3 %). Twenty patients (9.8 %) with 23 implants underwent a total of 33 MRI scans with their cochlear implant in place. In 16 cases the scanned region was the head (49 %). Preventive measures in the form of head bandages were taken in 20 cases (61 %). The most common complication was pain in 23 cases (70 %) and the most serious complication was the dislocation of the internal magnet in 3 cases (9 %). CONCLUSIONS: The number of CI recipients undergoing MRI scans is high. Possible complications and preventive measures attract too little attention in radiological daily routine.

Pattern and profile of electric burn injury cases at a Burn centre.

BACKGROUND: Electrical burns are quite different from thermal and chemical burns. This study is from a centre which deals with job related electric burn injuries alone and thus can give a pure account of the electric burns and discuss the related peculiarities. Study aims to highlight the differences in the mechanism of electric burn injury, its mode of presentation, morbidity, complications and thus the treatment strategies as compared to rest of the burn injuries. METHODS: This is a descriptive case series study of first consecutive 61 electric burn victims treated at a Burn Unit and Plastic Surgery centre. Cases were admitted and resuscitated at the emergency, and further treated at burn unit. Thorough history, examination findings and operative procedures were recorded. Patients were photographed for record as well. Emergency operative procedures, wound management, soft tissue coverage procedures and complications during the hospital stay were recorded and studied. RESULTS: Twenty cases (33%) were in the fifth decade of life. High voltage electric burn injury was seen in 42 (69%) of the cases. Whereas only 9 cases were treated conservatively, other 52 cases had 24 fasciotomies and 71 debridements. Series witnessed 10 expiries, and 22 amputations and all these were result of high voltage electric burns. Twenty eight soft tissue coverage procedures were carried out. CONCLUSIONS: Electric burn injuries are altogether different from rest of the burn injuries and must be treated accordingly. These injuries are peculiar for ongoing damage, extensive trauma, complications and prolonged morbidity. Treatment requires a high degree of suspicion, more aggressive management to unfold and minimize the deep seated insult.

Prevalence and pattern of facial burns: a 5-year assessment of 808 patients.

PURPOSE: Retrospective studies on the types and causes of facial burns are important because the patterns might vary in different societies. Our aim was to assess the burn-related factors of significance that might be useful in healthcare planning and implementing preventive strategies, adding to the body of current data on the subject. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the data from a major burns referral center during a 5-year period (2009 to 2013). The data relevant to age, gender, cause, source, location, burn degree, extent (body surface area [BSA]) of the burns, and mortality were gathered from comprehensive patient medical records, recorded, and analyzed using SPSS, version 20, software (SPSS, Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Within the study period, we found 808 documented cases of second- and third-degree facial burns. These burns were more common in men (81.9%) and in the 16- to 35-year age group (42.3%). The mean hospitalization was 9.85 ± 8.94 days. In 443 patients (54.83%), 10 to 19% of their BSA was burned, and 3.06% had associated inhalation burns. The most common burn was scalding (19%), and the deadliest was burns from acid, with a mortality rate of 7.4%. Accidents accounted for 776 burns (96.03%). Other causes were attempted homicide (16 cases, 1.98%) and suicide attempts (16 cases, 1.98%). The overall mortality was 1.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The key findings were that second- and third-degree facial burns were more common in males aged 16 to 35 years with burns covering 10 to 19% of the BSA. Accidental scalding was commonly responsible for the second-degree burns, and electrical accidents were commonly responsible for third-degree facial burns. Burn accidents occurred more often at the patient's home.

[Electrical flash burns, about 33 cases. A 10-year retrospective study. Epidemiology, treatment and prevention]. / Brûlures par flash électrique, à propos de 33 cas. Une étude rétrospective sur 10ans. Épidémiologie, traitement et prévention.

BACKGROUND: The electric flash burns are a common cause of accident at workplace, especially among electricians. The aim of this study is to determine the parts of the body most often burned by the flash, to define the usual course and finally to give some simple rules of care and prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational and descriptive study including all patients treated at the University Hospital of Tours for electrical flash burns between 1 January 2003 and 01 January 2013. A collection of medical and socio-economic data was achieved. We present 3 cases of patients hospitalized in our department. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included. In our series, all hospitalized patients were men. The average age was 43.2years (range 18 to 82years). In 81% of cases, the burn was due to a low voltage source, in 19% of cases to a high voltage source. It was an accident at workplace for 71% of patients, of whom 67% were electricians. The average total burned area was 9,52% (from 1.5% to 24%). The main locations included the face (86%), upper limbs (86%) and hands (86%). Medical treatment has healed 95% of patients. A surgical procedure was required in 5% of cases. A post-traumatic stress was found in 41% of patients. Outpatient treatment was performed in 36% of cases. CONCLUSION: Flash burns remain a common cause of hospitalization. Screening for hearing and eye disorders, a post-traumatic stress, as well as the prescription of early physiotherapy for burned hands are important components of their management. Following simple rules of prevention would limit their morbidity.

Electrical burns in our workplace.

BACKGROUND: There were totally 2320 patients during the period 2004-2013 hospitalised in our workplace with thermal injury, 87 of which were electric burns (3.75%). RESULTS: The majority of electric burns occurred to men 67 cases (76.74%), then to children - 18 cases (20.94%) and the rest to women - 2 cases (2.32%). The mechanism of injury to the group of men was direct contact with the source of current (54.5%), electric arc injury (37.9%), ignition of clothes and subsequently flame (6.1%), and lightning injury (1.5%). The cause of injury to the group of children was contact injury (83.4%), electric arc injury (16.6%); no ignition or lightning injury occurred. The cause of injury in the group of women (2 cases) was contact injury for both; no arc, ignition or lighting injury occurred. The average extent of burn wounds was 11.7% in the group of men, 5.83% in the group of children and 2% in the group of women. Surgical treatment (necrectomy, skin grafting, flap, and amputation) was necessary in 41 cases in the group of men, in 15 cases in the group of children and in 2 cases in the group of women. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Electric injury is a common problem in modern world. Some authors reported a 16.9% contribution of electric injuries of all hospitalised burn patients. There were 3.75% electric injury cases of all hospitalised burn patients in our department in the last nine years. The occurrence varies from year to year.

Characteristics and risk factors for electrical burn injuries: a study based on World Health Organization Global Burn Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Electrical burn injuries (EBIs) represent an important subset of burn injuries, but the information on them from the global level is limited. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and risk factors for EBIs reported to the World Health Organization Global Burn Registry. METHODS: Patients with EBIs and non-EBIs were identified from the registry. Patient demographics, income of the country, setting of the injury occurred, and outcomes were described and compared. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with the EBIs and their outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 9276 patients, 814 (8.8%) were grouped as EBIs. EBIs patients had a median age of 28 years, and they were predominantly males (89.2%). EBIs were more likely to occur in lower-middle- and low-income countries (60.9% versus 43.4%) and in an occupational setting (49.1% versus 6.7%) than the non-EBIs. Older age, male, lower-income, and occupational and public setting were risk factors for EBIs. For EBIs patients, adolescents and young adults, those from low-middle and low-income countries, and those injured by high-voltage electricity were more likely to have more than 15% of the total body surface area. In addition, those from low-middle and low-income countries and those injured by high-voltage electricity were more likely to die. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of EBIs are significantly different from that of non-EBIs. To prevent EBIs and avoid unpleasant outcomes, particular attention should be given to adolescent boys and young adult men who are employed in electrical jobs in lower-income countries.

Electrical injuries in children-a 6-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the clinical epidemiological characteristics of children with electrical injuries and discuss the countermeasures for the prevention of electrical injuries in children. METHODS: The children with electrical injuries were grouped according to whether or not they were admitted to the hospital for treatment into inpatient and outpatient groups. Clinical data such as gender, causes of injury and injury-causing voltage distribution in different age groups were analyzed. The factors affecting hospitalization were subjected to χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 321 children were included with 37 divided into inpatient group and 284 divided into outpatient group. The incidence of electrical injuries was highest in children ≤6 years old and in the summer. There were significantly different in gender, place of occurrence, cause of injury and injury-causing voltage between the two groups (p < 0.05). Injury-causing voltage is an independent risk factor affecting hospitalization of children with electrical injuries (OR = 0.116, 95 %CI = 0.040-0.334, p = 0.000). In children ≤6 years old, boys suffered electrical injuries more frequently than girls; battery powered vehicle (47.53 %) was primarily the cause of injury; most of the patients (64.64 %) were exposed to low voltage below 100 Vs, mainly in the case of adolescent children. CONCLUSION: Male preschoolers accounted for the majority of electrical injury cases, and these accidents mostly happened in household electrical appliances and household battery cars. Overall, it is necessary to improve family electrical safety education and reinforce protective measures against electric injury to children.

An increase in electrical burns during the covid lockdown in Western Cape, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: A severe Covid lockdown in South Africa may have changed burn patterns due to the downturn of the economy and stay-at-home policies. We describe the volume and type of burn admitted to a tertiary hospital before and during the Covid lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study from before (April 2019-March 2020) and during (April 2020-March 2021) the Covid pandemic. Patient demographics, burn etiology, and clinical outcomes were described. Logistic regression was used to model associations between burn etiology and the Covid period. RESULTS: Of 544 burns, 254 (46.7%) occurred before and 290 (53.3%, p = 0.051) during Covid. The proportion of electrical burns doubled during Covid n = 20, 32.3% vs n = 42, 67.7%, (p = 0.053) periods. At least half were associated with suspected cable or copper theft. On multivariate analysis, flame burns (OR=2.42, p < 0.001), electrical burns (OR=4.88, p < 0.001), and paying patients (OR=4.21, p < 0.001) were more likely to be associated with the Covid period. CONCLUSION: Electrical burns doubled during Covid, potentially related to an increase in cable and copper wire theft, a phenomenon described during hard economic times in other settings. More studies to understand this potential relationship are indicated to prepare burn centers during future pandemics and/or economic hardship.

The cost of keeping warm: a relationship between a rise in the cost of domestic energy and burn injuries caused by personal heating equipment.

INTRODUCTION: During 2022-2023, the UK found itself in the midst of a domestic energy crisis, with the average domestic gas and electricity bill rising by 75% between 2019 and 2022. As a result, the use of hot water bottles, radiant heaters, and electric blankets increased. An unintended consequence of this may be an increase in burn injuries caused by misfortune, misuse, or the use of items in a state of disrepair. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore any increase in referrals to a single burns centre in England for injuries caused by hot water bottles, radiant heaters, or electric blankets. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database of referrals. All referrals between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected and compared with the same period from 2020-2021 (before the rise in energy prices). Referrals were screened for the terms "hot water bottle," "electric heater," "electric blanket," and "heater." Total referrals in each period, demographic data (age, gender), anatomical location and the mechanism of injury were compared between cohorts. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant increase in the number of burns relating to heating implements between 2020/21 and 2022/23, rising from 54 to 81 (p = 0.03) - a 50% increase in injuries. Injuries in working age adults increased significantly (52% to 69%, p < 0.05). The most frequently injured area was the leg (30%) followed by the hand (18%). The commonest type of injury described was scald (72%). We found a moderately-strong correlation between the number of referrals and the average cost of energy in 2022-23. CONCLUSION: The number of injuries sustained by people using personal heating equipment is significantly increasing, which correlated with the rise in domestic energy prices. The most affected demographic appears to be working age adults, with wider implications around lost work-time yet to be explored. Further prospective, population-based work is indicated to assess the strength of the correlation seen in this study.

Peripheral neuropathy after burn injury.

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral neuropathy is a well-documented disabling sequela of major burn injury. These lesions are associated with both thermal and electrical injuries that may be frequently undiagnosed or overlooked in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burn-related neuropathy in our database and to investigate the clinical correlates for both mononeuropathy and generalized peripheral polyneuropathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of 648 burn patients, admitted to our clinic forty-seven burn patients with the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic and clinical data collected were gender, age, degree, site and percent surface area of burn, type of burn, and the results of electrodiagnostic examination, including electromyography and nerve conduction assessments and associated pathology if existed. RESULTS: Peripheral neuropathy is the most frequent disabling neuromuscular complication of burn, that may be undiagnosed or overlooked. In current study, peripheral neuropathy associated with burn all of our patients were identified by electrodiagnostic study. After treatment in Burn Unit, clinical and electrodiagnostic studies were applied. Motor and sensory distal latencies were prolonged and sensory nerve action potentials reduced in amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study have shown that polyneuropathies and axonal neuropathy were more frequent than mononeuropathy and demyelination.  

Pediatric electrical burn injuries: experience of a large tertiary care hospital and a review of electrical injury.

A retrospective review of all patients admitted between February 2004 and December 2009, with a diagnosis of burns associated with electrocution, was conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Data regarding type of electrocution and associated burns were collected. Of the 36 patients identified, 31 (86%) were shocked by electrical current, and 5 (14%) by lightning. Most burns associated with current were first degree (58%). The upper limbs, most frequently the wrist and arm (n = 23), were injured in 26 patients, and the lower limb in 2 patients, whereas 3 patients suffered multiple sites of injury. Twenty-eight patients were treated conservatively with dressings and minor surgical interventions such as debridement and primary repair. The remainder required excision and/or grafting. Fasciotomy and/or escharotomy were performed in 2 patients, and no one required amputation. Burns associated with electrical injuries remain a worldwide problem, responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. They can usually be prevented through simple safety measures. An effective prevention program would help address this problem.

[Lightning strikes and lightning injuries in prehospital emergency medicine. Relevance, results, and practical implications]. / Blitzschlag und Blitzunfälle in der präklinischen Notfallmedizin. Relevanz, Folgen und praktische Implikationen.

Up to 32.2% of patients in a burn center suffer from electrical injuries. Of these patients, 2-4% present with lightning injuries. In Germany, approximately 50 people per year are injured by a lightning strike and 3-7 fatally. Typically, people involved in outdoor activities are endangered and affected. A lightning strike usually produces significantly higher energy doses as compared to those in common electrical injuries. Therefore, injury patterns vary significantly. Especially in high voltage injuries and lightning injuries, internal injuries are of special importance. Mortality ranges between 10 and 30% after a lightning strike. Emergency medical treatment is similar to common electrical injuries. Patients with lightning injuries should be transported to a regional or supraregional trauma center. In 15% of all cases multiple people may be injured. Therefore, it is of outstanding importance to create emergency plans and evacuation plans in good time for mass gatherings endangered by possible lightning.

Electrical Burn and Associated Factors That Prolong In-patient Stay in a Level Three Burn Unit.

Electrical trauma is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which have been reduced by improved medical care, as measured by the length of stay (LOS) as a marker for this population's quality of care. This paper will review the clinical and demographic characteristics, LOS in the hospital, and variables related to patients with electrical burns. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a specialized burn unit in Southwest Colombia. Five hundred seventy-five electrical burn-related admissions from 2000 to 2016 were reviewed for the LOS and variables including patient-related (age, gender, marital status, education, and occupation), location of the accident (domestic vs labor-related), voltage, direct contact, arc, flash, flame, clinical presentation (burn surface area, depth, single or multiple organ injury, secondary infection, and abnormal labs), and treatment (surgical procedures and intensive care unit [ICU] admission). Univariate and bivariate analysis, with its 95% CI (confidence interval). We also performed a multiple logistic regression. LOS was correlated to males, age greater than 20 years, construction workers, high voltage injuries, severe burns by area and depth, infection, ICU admission, and multiple surgical procedures or extremity amputation. LOS due to electrical injury was observed to be significantly associated with the following variables, carpal tunnel release (OR [odds ratio]= 4.25, 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.70-5.20); amputation (OR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.60-5.10); infection (OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.30-5.20); site of infection, mainly wound (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.44); associated injury (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.00-3.24); work or domestic accident (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.00-3.32); aged 20-40 years (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.00-2.10); CPK (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.00-2.00); and third-degree burns (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.00-2.80). Risk factors for LOS secondary to electrical injury should be appropriately addressed. Prevention at high-risk workplaces is imperative. Mitigating the injury with appropriate management of infection and timely surgical interventions play an essential role in the successful treatment of these patients.

Injuries Associated With Electrical Flash Burns in Children Caused by E-bike Batteries.

The use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) has increased in China. Alongside this increased use of e-bikes, reports of injuries related to e-bikes have also increased. However, few studies have explored electrical burns from short circuits in e-bike batteries, especially among children. Our study aimed to describe the epidemiology and prognosis of e-bike-related electrical flash burns in children. This retrospective analysis examined the injury patterns and prognosis of flash burn injuries from e-bike batteries among children presenting to the emergency department of a hospital in northern China from 2009 to 2020. Data collected included demographics, mechanism of injury, time of injury, injury site, burn depth, healing time, and patient prognosis. During the study period, 82 children presented to our emergency department with these injuries (boys: n = 64, 78%; girls: n = 18, 22%). The children's mean age was 3.5 (2.5) years. Burns occurred in all months of the year but peaked from May to August (spring and summer). Most burns were to the fingers. All burns were minor injuries that healed within 2 weeks with wound care. With the growing popularity of e-bikes, electric flash burns among children caused by e-bike batteries are increasingly common. Doctors should be aware of this special injury type to offer the correct diagnosis and treatment and provide parents with appropriate information.

Electrical injuries and outcomes: A retrospective review.

Electrical burns (EI) differ from other burn injuries in the immediate treatment given and delayed sequelae they manifest. This paper reviews our burn center's experience with electrical injuries. All patients with electrical injuries admitted from January 2002 to August 2019 were included. Demographics; admission, injury, and treatment data; complications, including infection, graft loss, and neurologic injury; pertinent imaging, neurology consultation, neuropsychiatric testing; and mortality were collected. Subjects were divided into those who were exposed to high (>1000 volts), low (<1000 volts), and unknown voltage. The groups were compared. P < 0.05 was considered significant. One hundred sixty-two patients with electrical injuries were included. Fifty-five suffered low voltage, 55 high voltage, and 52 unknown voltage injuries. High voltage injuries were more likely to be male (98.2% vs. 83.6% low voltage vs. 94.2% unknown voltage, p = 0.015), to experience loss of consciousness (69.1% vs. 23.6% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (20% vs. 3.6% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.032), and undergo amputation (23.6% vs. 5.5% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.024). No significant differences were observed in long-term neurological deficits. Twenty-seven patients (16.7%) were found to have neurological deficits on or after admission; 48.2% recovered, 33.3% persisted, 7.4% died, and 11.1% did not follow-up with our burn center. Electrical injuries are associated with protean sequelae. Immediate complications include cardiac, renal, and deep burns. Neurologic complications, while uncommon, can occur immediately or are delayed.

Evaluation of the Epidemiological Characteristics of the Patients Admitted to Our Clinic as a Result of Electric Shock.

Electric shocks (ESs) are common traumas in burn units that require treatment by specialists due to high mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients of ES, complications, and injury-related mortality and morbidity rates. The authors retrospectively analyzed data of 432 ES patients treated at the Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital Burn Center, Turkey, between January 2010 and December 2020. Of the 432 patients, 92 (21.3%) and 340 (78.7%) sustained high- and low-voltage injuries, respectively. While high-voltage burns were common in January and December, low-voltage burns peaked in September and July. Burn patients were mostly males and were between the ages of 19 and 59 years. The majority of the ES events occurred at home. All four patients who died had suffered high-voltage burns, with two of high-voltage burns (2.17%) requiring amputation. None of the patients with low-voltage burns underwent amputation. High-voltage injuries manifested with larger burn surfaces, longer hospitalization, and more complications. Electrical injuries are largely preventable with simple safety precautions in daily life as well as serious consideration of workplace safety.