Changing Trends In Electrical Burns From A Tertiary Care Centre - Epidemiology And Outcome Analysis

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Burn Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Electrical burn injuries contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity.
• A substantial proportion of these injuries are preventable through targeted interventions.
• Understanding trends in electrical burn causes is crucial for effective prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the demographic, burn, and injury characteristics of electrical burn patients.
• To identify trends in the causes of electrical burns over time.
• To determine risk factors for adverse outcomes such as fasciotomy, amputation, renal failure, and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of electrical burn cases over a one-year period (September 2018 - August 2019).
• Comparison with historical data from the same center published in 2011.
• Logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for specific complications and mortality.

Main Results:

• Electrical burns accounted for 7.38% of all presentations and 18.49% of burn admissions.
• Occupational (33.3%) and rooftop (31%) electrical burns significantly increased compared to 2011 data.
• High voltage injuries rose to 86.90%; electric contact burns were risk factors for fasciotomy and limb gangrene.

Conclusions:

• There has been a significant shift towards occupational and rooftop electrical burns, alongside an increase in high voltage injuries.
• Age, burn severity, electric contact, and rural residence are identified risk factors for renal failure.
• Preventive strategies must prioritize reducing occupational and rooftop electrical injuries to mitigate severe outcomes and mortality.