The effect of entry and exit wounds on electrocardiographic axis deviation and prognosis in patients admitted to the emergency department DUE to electrical shock

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of entry-exit wounds on electrocardiographic axis deviation and prognosis in patients who applied to the Dicle University Medical Faculty emergency department due to electric shock between 2018-2020. Material-Method: Our study consists of electric shock cases who applied to the Dicle University Medical Faculty Hospital emergency department between January 2018 and December 2020. Descriptive and other characteristics of the patients were noted in detail for analysis. Analyzes were performed by grouping the patients according to axis deviation. Results: A total of 226 patients, 44 (20%) female and 182 (80%) male, were included in our study. The mean age of the patients was 28.5 years (range: 0-93). Respectively, 22% (n=50) grade 0, 10% (n=23) grade 1, 52% (n=119) grade 2 and 15% (n=24) grade 3 burns was available. The burn rate was 10% or less in 74.3% of the patients (median= 3). Considering the entry point of electric shocks; Entry was detected in the right hand in 46%, in the left hand in 42%, in the right foot in 3%, and in the left foot in 2%. Those with extra-extremity outlets were 6%. The place of exit is; Dislocation was detected in the right hand in 13%, in the left hand in 13%, in the right foot in 20%, and in the left foot in 22%. Those with extra-extremity outlets were 20%. There was no axis deviation in 75% of the patients. Right axis deviation was detected in 8.4% (n=19), while left axis deviation was found in 16.4% (n=37). When the incidence analysis is performed in patients with axis deviation; right axis deviation was detected in 34% and left axis deviation in 66% of the patients. When the hospitalization status of the patients is examined; 60% of the patients (n=136) were hospitalized for at least one day. The mean number of hospitalization days was recorded as 20.7±11.8 (range 0-164), with a median of 2 days. Surgery was performed in 27% (n=61) of the patients, while 73% (n=165) were followed conservatively. Conclusion: Electric shocks are a life-threatening form of trauma that causes severe cardiac arrhythmia. Patients with electrical shocks should be urgently brought to the nearest emergency department and close monitoring should be provided in terms of cardiac pathology and burns in these centers.