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KMID : 0853020070100010001
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Journal of Korean Burn Society
2007 Volume.10 No. 1 p.1 ~ p.12
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Epidemiologic Analysis of Electric Burns
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Song Sang-Eun
Kim Hyun-Chul
Jang Young-Soo
Lee Dong-Lark
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Abstract
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Backrounds: All the electric burns are preventable. The high tension injury (HTI) comparing to low tension injury (LTI) is unique in nature and a frustrating dilemma to surgeons rendering care. We investigated the burn injury epidemiology, the clinical differences between HTI and LTI and degree of tissue injury to burn types. Such data can propose proper educational program designs to suit the community.
Methods: We had a retrospective clinical analysis of 1,451 electrical burns of LTI; 532 (36.7%) and HTI; 919 (63.3%) for 10 year period (1996∼2005). These included burn epidemiology, patient demographics, amputations, reconstructive procedures and associated injuries. Descriptive statistics were generated for demographic, clinical, and outcome characteristics.
Results: The mortality rate was 1.7% (26/1,515). Electrical engineers were the most victims (46.1% in LTI, 75.7% in HTI) but lots of the victims were not related to electricity in job. The residing facilities (39.4%), factory (33.1%) in LTI and factory (28.5%), communication pole (19.2%) in HTI were the leading places of accident during electrical work/repair (28.4% in LTI , 50.7% in HTI) in adult and sticking into plugs in children (20.1% of LTI). The male was predominant (89.7% in LTI, 99.1% in HTI). The mean age 36.3 yo of HTI was higher than 30.0 yo of LTI. The young men victims (20∼49 yo) were affected more by HTI (88.6 vs 66.5%). The burn extent was larger in HTI (14.4% vs 5.4% TBSA). The arc burn had the largest area (22.1%)(flash 14.2; contact 8.1% TBSA). The HTI had less flash (20.5 vs 43.0%) and more arc (13.5 vs 0.9%) burns than LTI. Most HTI were transmitted from hands to feet comparing LTI from hands to face. The LTI had only minor amputations (3.6%). The HTI had higher amputation rate (minor 13.7%, major 16.1%). The arc burn underwent more major amputation (41.9%) than contact (10.2%), flash (0.5%) burns. The 33.8% of amputee had multiple amputations. The BEA was the most common one (54.1%). There were more right (54.6%) than left (45.4%) and more upper (76.3%) than lower (23.7%) limb amputations. Early selective fasciotomy within 24 hours could decrease the major amputation rate (53.9 vs 68.1%). The HTI had more reconstructive surgical procedures (2.7 vs 1.8/ person) and associated injuries (2.1 vs 1.5/person).
Conclusions: The HTI affected more extensive soft tissue injuries. The arc burn had high morbidity and major amputations than other types of burns. (Journal of Korean Burn Society 2007;10:1-12)
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KEYWORD
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Electric burns, Epidemiolgy, Fasciotomy, Amputation
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