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 number 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.

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