ABSTRACT

Aim:

Electrical injuries are an important health problem in our country, as well as worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore the demographic characteristics, complications and mortality associated with electrical injuries.

Methods:

In this study, 38 patients who had been exposed to electrical injuries and treated at the Emergency Department of, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University between October 2008 and October 2010 were reviewed. Data pertaining to the patients were analysed retrospectively.

Results:

Out of 38 patients, 28 (73.7%) were male and 10 (26.3%) female. Electrical injuries were most frequently encountered in the 17-29 year age group, constituting 39.5% of cases. Eight (21.1%) patients were exposed to high voltage and 30 (78.9%) to low voltage. Among the circumstances leading to electrical injury, household accidents (63.2%) prevailed over the occupational accidents (36.8%). Two patients died due to sepsis. The overall mortality rate was 5.3 % and the mean hospital stay was 4.1±5.2 days.

Conclusion:

The results obtained from this research with respect to the demographic and clinical features can help the development of a particular strategy for electirical injuries.