Electrical burns: a retrospective analysis over a 10-year period

Although electrical burns have a rather low incidence, they are considered one of the most devastating injuries. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse specific aspects of electrical injuries and to delineate a prevention strategy. A retrospective analysis of medical records of all the patients admitted to our Unit with electrical burns over a 10-year period (2006/01/01-2015/12/31) was undertaken. Demographic data, mechanism of injury and electric current voltage, total burn surface area (TBSA), location and depth of burns, acute complications, surgical interventions and length of hospital stay (LOS) were analysed. Out of 1695 burn patients admitted to our Unit, 99 subjects (5.84%) suffered electrical burns. 97% of these patients were male. The mean age was 38.3±13.7years and mean TBSA was 11.9%±13.2%. The mechanism of injury was occupational in 75 cases. Injuries were classified as low-voltage burns (24.2%), highvoltage burns (30.3%) and flash burns (45.5%). TBSA (p=0.014), mean LOS (p=0.002) and serum creatinine kinase levels (p<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with high-voltage injury in comparison to low-voltage injury, as well as the incidence of escharotomy/ fasciotomy (p=0.049) and flap surgeries (p=0.004). Although there was a higher incidence of amputations in this group (16.7% vs. 12.5%), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.487). The high prevalence of electrical burns in males and workers emphasizes the need to review occupational safety regulations. Educational efforts regarding potential hazards of electricity and reinforcing compliance with safety measures are essential to avoid these injuri.