Electrical Burn Injury in MidWestern Nigeria

Electrical burn injuries have not been well reported in the literature. Though uncommon, they nevertheless cause significant multisystem injury with significant morbidity and mortality and are often associated with a high amputation rate from tissue necrosis. We reviewed 15 patients out of a burn population of 229 patients managed at the Burn Service of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria from August 2009 to June 2011.There were 13 males and 2 females. The mean age was 27.7yrs ( Range 4-43). Ten (67%) suffered high voltage (>1000V) injuries, while 3 were from low voltage. Only one occurred in the home setting. Ten were work related and 4 occurred from fallen high tension cables. The mean burn size was 21% BSA ( Range 2- 43%).There were three deaths ( 20%). We identified electricity workers as target for preventive action and proper maintenance of overhead cables and poles as strategy to prevent electrocution from falling cables.