High-voltage Electric Burns: Experience from a Single Centre in North India
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Abstract
Electrical injuries account for up to 5% of all burn injuries in developed countries and up to 27% in developing nations. High-voltage burns are more severe and associated with higher mortality and extensive morbidity. A retrospective review of clinical data of all patients admitted to a tertiary care centre in north India, with high voltage electrical injury over a two-year period, was performed. Of the 48 patients, 85.4% were adults; 14.6% were children, 93.8% were males, 37.5% were electricians, 27.1% were laborers, 14.6% were farmers. 62.5% of burns were accidental. Maximum patients sustained burn <30% body surface area, of third or fourth degree. Concomitant injuries were present in 25% of patients. Electrocardiogram abnormalities were observed in 35.4% of patients. The upper limb was involved in 95.8% of patients.
We noted that falling cables are a menace and regulatory authorities need to ensure regular maintenance of overhead cables to safeguard the population. It is equally important to train health personnel in peripheral health centers to perform life support measures. Prompt referral and an effective transport infrastructure are crucial. National programs should be made sustainable and more effective by using data from studies such as ours, to develop targeted community-based prevention and management.
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