Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part G (2021)

Background: Burns are major public health problem in India. Electric burns are most devastating which causes development of multiple injuries with high morbidity and mortality. Electric burn management requires multidisciplinary, multispecialty approach.

Aim: To highlight the epidemiological variables, clinical characteristics, wound management and outcome of electric burns.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Sawai Man Singh hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India from January 2019 to December 2019 that included 347 patients. Patients were admitted and resuscitated at burn unit. Patients were interviewed for clinical history and examined. Wound management, coverage procedure, complications and duration of hospital stay were recorded.

Results: The study comprised of 347 patients. Mostly electric burn victim were males (77.5%) and commonly affected age group were 20-40 yrs (45.5%). Most were injured in work related circumstances. High voltage electric burns were seen in 53.6%. Primary cause was accidental direct contact with electric wire (58.2%). Among them 23.6 % had severe burn. Most of patients underwent some sort of surgery. Out of 235 operated patients, 50.6 % underwent skin auto grafting. Amputation was carried in 19% cases and concentrated on upper limbs. Most common complication was septicaemia (21.3%). 8 % patient expired.

Conclusion: Electric burn injuries cause extensive damage, complications and prolonged morbidity. High degree of suspicion, more aggressive management require to unfold and minimize the deep seated insult. Public awareness, education and proper training are best way to minimize the significant burden caused by electric burns.