An assessment of the epidemiological features of patients with electrical injuries in the emergency department: a 10-year retrospective study

Article title: An assessment of the epidemiological features of patients with electrical injuries in the emergency department: a 10-year retrospective study
Abstract
Objective: Evaluating electrical injuries is challenging due to various complications. Current guidelines emphasize monitoring of cardiac risk factors, but the indications for this are quite specific. This study evaluated the epidemiological and risk factors of electrical injuries in patients admitted to the Emergency Department.
Methods: Medical records from the Pamukkale University Hospital (2014-2024) were reviewed. The data collected included ECG abnormalities, accident specifics (time, voltage, current type, contact point/location), transthoracic flow, current source, work accident status, mortality, and diagnosis. The primary outcomes were epidemiological data, arrhythmias, and elevated laboratory results.
Results: 112 patients were identified, 91 were male (81%), with a mean age of 31.8 years. Work-related injuries accounted for 16 (14.3%) cases and 17 (15.2%) had chest pain. High voltage injuries (>1000 V) were 10/112, and low voltages (<1000 V) were 80/112 (60.6%). One patient died of head trauma after electrical shock. Elevated troponin was found in 57 patients (50.9%), CK-MB in 25 (22.3%), and potassium in 6 (5.3%). ECG abnormalities were observed in 16 patients (14.3%).
Conclusion: Troponin and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in the low-voltage group. This research questions the assumption that conscious patients showing normal ECGs after a low-voltage injury can be safely discharged after a quick clinical evaluation.
Keywords: Electrical injury, low-voltage injuries, high-voltage injuries, epidemiology