High voltage electrical injury: an 11-year single center epidemiological study

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Epidemiology
• Electrical Injury

Background:

• High voltage electrical injuries represent a significant cause of severe burns and mortality.
• Understanding the epidemiological characteristics is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of patients with high voltage electrical injury.
• To identify risk factors and trends in high voltage electrical trauma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 58 patients with high voltage electrical trauma treated between 1999 and 2009.
• Data collection included age, gender, accident location, trauma extent, mortality, and occupational status.

Main Results:

• The average incidence was 0.21 cases/100,000 inhabitants, with an average patient age of 28.59 years.
• Mortality rate was 15.52%, with an average burnt area of 35.01% TBSA and 53.43 days of hospitalization.
• Non-occupational injuries were notably high in younger age groups, including children.

Conclusions:

• High voltage electrical injuries, though infrequent, carry a high mortality and morbidity.
• Preventive programs targeting specific risk groups, particularly children and non-occupational settings, are essential.
• Continued epidemiological surveillance is necessary to refine prevention and treatment strategies.