High voltage electrical burn resulting in upper limb amputation

Cembraneli, Pedro Nogarotto; Cavalcante, Julia Brasileiro de Faria; Cavalcante, Renata Brasileiro de Faria; Valente, Volmer Fernandes; Cavalcante, José Edison da Silva

doi:10.15406/ipmrj.2020.05.00230

Cited by 1 publication

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References 3 publications

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“…The severity of tissue damage and organ dysfunction in electrical burns depends on the voltage passing through the body which can either be a low voltage (<1000 v) or high voltage (>1000 V) and the conversion of the electrical energy to thermal energy(heat). 13,[17][18][19] Electrical burn injuries can result in the death of the patient in the acute phase due to cardiac arrest, organ failure, or shock, 19 whereas those who survive the initial physiologic disruption may end up with severe complications in the various organ systems as well as major limb amputations. 12,16,17,20 Amputations are one of the devastating yet necessary procedures done in burns to reduce morbidity and increase the survival of patients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrical Burn and Amputations in a Burn Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abebe,

Ewing,

Weldemicheal

2024

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open

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Background: Burn injuries are a global public health problem and continue to be one of the leading causes of unintentional death and injury. Electrical injuries, a relatively rare cause of burns, are increasingly being reported with higher rates of mortality in low and middle-income countries due to rapid industrialization in the absence of safety regulations. Electrical burn injuries can result in death, various organ system dysfunctions, or limb amputations. Methods: A 5-year retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the rate of amputation and associated risk factors in electrical burn injuries among burn patients at AaBET Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Results: The rate of amputation among the 150 patients admitted with electrical burn in the study period was 33.3% (n = 50). A majority (62%; n = 31) of the patients were men (M:F 1.6:1) in the age range of 18–65 years. A fallen electrical wire coming in contact with the patients was the cause of the electrical burns in 50% of the cases. 65.3% of the patients had upper limb amputations, whereas 34.7% had lower limb amputations. Major amputations were more likely to occur when the entry site was the hand, whereas minor amputations were more likely to occur when the entry site was the scalp (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Younger male patients were identified as the main victims of electrical burns that resulted in amputations. Electrical burns showed substantial morbidity and mortality of patients. Total body surface area and entry site being the hand significantly affected the level and site of amputation.

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