Factors Affecting Mortality From Electrical Injuries in Rural Areas of Thailand
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Abstract
Background: Electrical injuries are a significant problem in rural areas of Thailand. These problems result in losses of both lives and medical treatment budgets. Knowledge of the incidence, medical costs, and factors associated with mortality from electrical injuries will help in determining future preventive measures.
Objective: To study factors affecting mortality from electrical injuries, incidence, and medical costs incurred in patients in Chanthaburi Province.
Methods: This was a Retrospective cohort study collecting data from medical records of patients diagnosed with electrical injuries (ICD-10: T75.0, T75.4) and treated at Prapokklao Hospital from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2024. Factors associated with mortality were analysed using Multivariable logistic regression.
Results: A total of 300 patients were diagnosed with electrical injuries, comprising 250 males (83.30%) and 50 females (16.70%), with a mean age of 31.80 years. The majority resulted from occupational accidents, 159 cases (53.00%). The average medical cost per case was 71,932.10 baht. Nineteen patients died (6.30%). Factors statistically significantly associated with mortality were: burn area greater than 40%TBSA (adjOR=44.74, p=0.017), serum CPK level greater than 1,527 U/L (Adjusted Odds Ratio 12.77, p=0.031), intensive care unit admission (adjOR=25.71, p=0.001), intravenous albumin infusion (adjOR=0.02, p=0.047), and shock within the first 24 hours post-injury (adjOR=20.14, p=0.012).
Conclusion: Electrical injuries in Chanthaburi Province predominantly caused by occupational accidents, particularly amongst middle-aged males, with a mortality of 6.30%. The average medical cost per case was 71,932.10 baht. Factors statistically significantly associated with mortality were: burn area greater than 40%TBSA, serum CPK level greater than 1,527 U/L, intensive care unit admission, intravenous albumin infusion, and shock within the first 24 hours post-injury.
Thaiclinicaltrials.org number, TCTR20250801003
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