Clinical spectrum of electrical burns - A prospective study from the developing world

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Public Health
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Electrical burns present a significant global health challenge, leading to severe injuries, high morbidity, and mortality.
• Effective management necessitates a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the clinical characteristics of electrical burns in a developing nation.
• To identify common causes, patient presentations, treatments, associated injuries, and complications.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 78 patients with electrical burns was conducted over five years (2010-2015).
• Data collection included detailed clinical history and physical examinations.

Main Results:

• The study included 78 patients, with 61.54% from low-voltage and 38.46% from high-voltage incidents.
• The 21-40 age group was most affected, and high-voltage burns proved more severe.
• Septicemia was the most frequent complication (24.4%), particularly in the high-voltage group (43.3%).

Conclusions:

• Electrical burns place a substantial burden on developing countries, primarily impacting young adult males.
• High-voltage electrical burns often involve multiple organ systems and result in lasting sequelae, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary care.
• Preventative strategies, including public education and industrial safety training, are essential to reduce incidence.