During 5 years period from August 1977 to 1982, 46 cases of high voltage electric burn patients were treated at the Department of Surgery, National Seoul Hospital.
By reviewing and discussion with clinical experience of high tension current electrical thermal injuries, the following results were obtained.
1) Age distribution showed wide variation from 7 years to 57 years old. But most were 3rd to 4th decade.
2) Male was involved more frequently than female, 43 cases of male and 3 cases of female.
3) Seasonal variation could be recognized. From September to November was prevalent.
4) For the burned area, 23 patients were injured under´ 10% of body surface area, and one
case, over 80%. Most common injured site was hand.
5) In occupational classification, most was railroad officer. As for duration from onset to admission, 41 cases were within 24 hours.
6) As for E.K.G. findings, 42 cases were checked on admission. Among them, 24cases were normal, 11 cases revealed sinus tachycardia, 3 cases showed myocardiac injury.
7) All patients were injured by alternating current, and over 3,300 volts 34 cases, 660 volts 12 cases.
8) Early debridement and skin graft were performed in 16 cases (34.8%).
9) Bacteriologic culture from the burn wound was performed on 3rd day, 1 week after injury. The culture techniques were swab culture, gauze capillary surface culture and wound biopsy.
10) The most frequent complications were wound infection, urinary tract infection and amputation, and 1 case was died.
|