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Published on: February 23, 2024
Electrical burns: a retrospective analysis across a 5-year period
D P Luz1, L S Millan, M S Alessi
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. dpetkeviciusluz@gmail.com
Summary
High-voltage electrical burns cause severe complications and long hospital stays, disproportionately affecting young male workers. These injuries lead to significant socio-economic impacts due to lasting disabilities.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Burn Care
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Electrical burns present unique challenges in patient management.
- Understanding the specific characteristics and outcomes of electrical injuries is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review institutional experience with electrical burn patients.
- To analyze the characteristics, complications, and epidemiology of electrical burns.
- To assess the socio-economic impact of these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records of electrical burn patients admitted to a Burn Unit.
- Classification of burns into high voltage, low voltage, flash burn, and lightning-induced categories.
- Analysis of complications, hospital stay duration, surgical procedures, and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- High-voltage electrical burns were associated with more severe complications and longer hospitalizations.
- Greater burn depth necessitated more complex surgical interventions in the high-voltage group.
- The majority of high-voltage burn patients were young men, often injured occupationally.
Conclusions:
- High-voltage electrical burns result in significant morbidity and long-term sequelae, including amputations.
- Occupational electrical injuries among young men have a profound socio-economic impact.
- Specialized care and preventative measures are vital for managing electrical burn patients.
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