title: Electrical Burn Injury in MidWestern Nigeria.
abstract: Electrical burn injuries have not been well reported in the literature. Though uncommon, they nevertheless cause significant multisystem injury with significant morbidity and mortality and are often associated with a high amputation rate from tissue necrosis. We reviewed 15 patients out of a burn population of 229 patients managed at the Burn Service of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria from August 2009 to June 2011.There were 13 males and 2 females. The mean age was 27.7yrs ( Range 4-43). Ten (67%) suffered high voltage (>1000V) injuries, while 3 were from low voltage. Only one occurred in the home setting. Ten were work related and 4 occurred from fallen high tension cables. The mean burn size was 21% BSA ( Range 2- 43%).There were three deaths ( 20%). We identified electricity workers as target for preventive action and proper maintenance of overhead cables and poles as strategy to prevent electrocution from falling cables.
authors.affiliation: Division of Burns, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Dept of Orthopaedics & Traumatology University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Kadiri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Innih
authors.affiliation: Division of Burns, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Dept of Orthopaedics & Traumatology University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Olugbenga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Oludiran
keywords: Amputation; Electric burns; High and low voltage injuries; Midwestern Nigeria