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

INTRODUCTION: Electrical burns are devastating, posing development of multiple injuries with high morbidity and mortality. Electrical burn management benefits from a multidisciplinary, multispecialty collaborative approach to improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the clinical spectrum of electrical burns in the developing world, including common etiologies, presentation, intervention, associated injuries, and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2015 that included 78 patients (75 men and 3 women), who presented with a history of electrical burns. Patients were interviewed for detailed clinical history and physical examination.

RESULTS: The study comprised 78 patients (high-voltage group: 38.46% and low-voltage group: 61.54%). The most affected age group was the 21-40 year age group. High-voltage injuries were more devastating. The most common complication was septicemia in 24.4% of the patients, which included 43.3% from the high-voltage group.

CONCLUSION: Electrical burns affecting young adult men can impose a significant burden in developing countries. Electrical burns, especially due to high voltage, involve multiple organs benefitting from multidisciplinary management and have significant residual sequelae. Public awareness and education and proper training of industry workers remain the best way to minimize the prevalence of electric burns in the developing world.