Dr Ana Galevska1, Dr Sonia Tran1, Dr Monique Bertinetti1, Prof Andrew AJ Holland1
1Department of paediatric surgery, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Westmead, Australia
Abstract:
Electrical paediatric burns are relatively rare but can have devastating complications and long-term impact. The aim of this study is to describe the presentation, epidemiology, treatment and complications of electrical burn injuries in children. For the purpose of this study the BRANZ (Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand) database was retrospectively reviewed since its inception in June 2004 until June 2019. Case notes were reviewed for all patients under 16 years of age with electrical burns that presented at single tertiary burns centre and outcomes reviewed. To date, 72 children with average age of 6.5 years and Male to Female ratio of 1.4:1 have suffered electrical burns. The majority of the burns were low voltage and the most common site were the hands, almost half of the children (48%) did not have adequate first aid. Majority of the cases were managed conservatively and with close observation and skin graft was the most common procedure in those that required surgical intervention.
Biography:
Currently employed as paediatric surgical registrar at Westmead Hospital with strong interest in research