LAUSR

Background High-voltage electric contact burns often lead to amputation of limbs. Raised muscle enzymes reflect the extent of muscle damage. We aimed to estimate the levels of creatine kinase (CK-T and CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in high-voltage electric burns and to find out the correlation with amputation. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in 60 patients over a period of 14 months, and they were divided into 2 groups: ‘amputation’ and ‘no amputation.’ Decision regarding amputation was purely based on clinical assessment either early or late (within or after 72 h). CK, CK-MB, and LDH levels were measured for the first 3 days following an injury and compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. A p –value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Mean age of patients was 25.5 years. There was a male preponderance (83.33%), and the majority were working age group (21–40 years (61.6%)). The mean burn percentage was 15.97 ± 9.7 (%TBSA), and the amputation rate was 65%. CK, CK-MB, and LDH levels were found to be significantly raised in the ‘amputation’ group. According to the receiver operating curve (ROC), CK-T has a sensitivity of 82.1 and specificity of 90.5 with a cutoff value of 5921 U/L and CK-T has the highest area under the ROC curve. Conclusions CK-T levels raised significantly in high-voltage electric contact burns and strongly associated with amputation. CK-T levels predict the extent of underlying tissue damage with a prognostic value which can be helpful in therapeutic decisions. Level of evidence: Level I, risk/prognostic study.