A Retrospective Analysis of 645 Burn Patients Following High Voltage Electrical Injuries - 8 Years of Experience

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: High voltage electrical injuries can cause serious complications and sequelae, leading to social and economic costs. We reviewed patients with high voltage electrical injuries experienced over the last 8 years. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 645 consecutive patients admitted between January, 2000, and December, 2007. We noted demographics, burn type, fasciotomy time after burn injuries, distribution classified by voltage, entrance and exit of burn injuries, type of amputation and amputation rate, associated injuries and complications, death rate, electrocardiogram, and laboratory results. RESULTS: Most injuries occurred in men (99.2%), with a mean age of 38.2+/-9.3 years. Direct contact burns were the most common (62.2%), and the mean burn extent was 14.8+/-15.9%. The right upper extremity was the most common entry point, with the left lower extremity the most common exit point. The amputation rate was 22.2%. Associated injuries and complications occurred in 62.0% of cases. CONCLUSION: This research may influence diagnosis and treatment of high-voltage injuries, reducing the associated injuries and complications. Furthermore, we should protect against high voltage electrical injuries.