Advertisement!
Author Information Pack
Editorial Board
Submit article
Special Issue
Editor's selection process
Join as Reviewer/Editor
List of Reviewer
Indexing Information
Most popular articles
Purchase Single Articles
Archive
Free Online Access
Current Issue
Recommend this journal to your library
Advertiser
Accepted Articles
Search Articles
Email Alerts
FAQ
Contact Us
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

Volume  10, Issue 2, April - June 2017, Pages 78-82
 

Original Article

A Retrospective Study of Histopathological Changes in Electrocution in Tertiary Hospital

Radha R. Kabbur*, Shivarurappa A. Siddalingappa**, Sumana B.S.***

*Assistant Professor **Professor and Head ***Professor, Department of Pathology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Center, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Choose an option to locate / access this Article:
90 days Access
Check if you have access through your login credentials.        PDF      |
|

Open Access: View PDF

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.10217.15

Abstract

Background: Injury and death from the passage of electric current through the body is common in both industrial and domestic circumstances. The study has been conducted to find out the incidence of electrocution deaths in tertiary center, common source of electrocution and the study of the pattern of injuries sustained by the victims. Histopathological study of skin lesions and other organs of the electrically injured victims are received for microscopic examination. Methods and Material: In the present study, 30 cases of electrocution have been considered. Case details including history are retrieved from records during the period of 2011 to 2016 and have been analyzed. The findings are recorded in proforma and evaluated histomorphologically. Results: 30 cases (6.6%) of electrocution deaths, all are males. The highest numbers of autopsy cases are observed in the age group of 21-30 years, followed by 31-40 years. Most of the victims are electrocuted at work places and very few victims electrocuted in their houses. The most common causative agent is high voltage electricity (93.3%) followed by the home appliances (6.7%). 90% of the cases died on the spot. All the electrocution deaths in the present series are accidental cases and no homicidal or suicidal cases observed. Conclusions: The risk of getting electrocuted from the haphazardly installed electric wires without proper maintenance in most parts of the place is indeed a matter of concern. The spread of awareness and adoption of safety measures are important factors required for prevention of fatal electrocution and the study is to look for the consistency in the frequency of these histopathological findings.

Keywords: Accidental; Electrocution; Entry Wound; Exit Wound; High Tension Wire; Skin Lesions; Myocardial Fibers.


Corresponding Author : Radha R.K., Flat no 102, MR sathyam Enclave, 6th cross, Church Road, Newthippasndra, HAL 3rd stage, Banagalore-560075, Karnataka, India.