Pediatric electrical injury in Turkey: Five year retrospective hospital-based study

Background We aimed to evaluate children who presented with electrical injury to the emergency department. We tried to reveal the complications of these patients and the measures to be taken in this regard. Methods Medical records of pediatric patients who were admitted with electrical injury to emergency department between January 2007 and January 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. An information form was completed about demographic data, clinical features, exposure place, electrical current type, clinical course, duration of hospitalization, electrocardiography, echocardiography and other systems findings. Results Children who were the most exposed to electrical injury were children 4 years and under. While low-voltage current exposure was more common in younger ages, high-voltage current exposure was more common in older ages. Most of our patients (%72) were exposed to low voltage. Patients who exposed to high-voltage electricity had significantly higher levels of CPK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, and ALT compared to patients who were exposed to low voltage electricity. None of the patients have died. Conclusion Young children are often exposed to electric shock at home. Increasing precautions to be taken at home reduces electrical shock injuries. Children and especially families should be educated in this regard.