Do children need to be monitored after electric shocks?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether cardiac monitoring is required in children sustaining electric shock at Australian household voltage.

METHODOLOGY

Records of patients admitted via the Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia, for the period 1968-96 were retrospectively reviewed. The initial ECG findings of patients with an electric shock were recorded, and the development of any arrhythmia.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were identified, 40 of whom had sustained a household electrical injury. One patient had an abnormal ECG on admission, none developed an arrhythmia and all survived.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine cardiac monitoring is not required after exposure to Australian household electricity supply if the child is asymptomatic and has a normal ECG on presentation.