Electrical burns in adults.

Abstract

Electrical burns account for up to 10% of burns admissions worldwide and are apotentially serious mechanism of injury. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology, presentation, management and complications of electrical burn injuries in adults. Aretrospective study of all adult patients with electrical burns admitted to atertiary burns centre. 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%). Alow 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. 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 aflesh burn. Although rare, the loss of digits, neurological sequelae, cardiac arrhythmias and renal failure remain serious complications in asignificant number of cases.