Injury by electrical forces: pathophysiology, biophysics and pathogenesis.
- Author:
Li DONG
1
;
Yu-chuan CHEN
Author Information
1. Department of Foresic Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Science, Guangzhou 510089.
- Publication Type:Review
- MeSH:
Animals;
Electric Injuries/physiopathology*;
Heart Injuries/physiopathology*;
Hemodynamics;
Humans;
Muscle, Skeletal/injuries*
- From:
Journal of Forensic Medicine
2002;18(1):52-55
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
As the technologic sophistication of generation and distribution of electrical energy has grown, so has the general concern about the effects of electric fields on human health. There can be no doubt that the significance of electrical trauma will continue to grow with our increasing use of power. It is apparent that our understanding of the various forms of electric trauma must increase, while we continue to promote safety near electrical hazards and develop effective medical therapies. Tissue damage as a result of electrical injury occurs by two mechanisms which are summative in action and have a variable degree of contribute to the ultimate damage produced. Thermal tissue damage occurs as a result of heat generated within the tissue (which offer an electrical resistance) secondary to the passage of the electrical current. High temperatures can also lead to cell membrane components, e.g., phospholipids, to dissolve. Electroportation damage is the tissue damage induced secondary to the strong electric field. Transmembrane potentials caused by electrical current result in the formation of pore in the phospholipid component of the cell membrane resulting in loss of function of the cell membrane with consequent cell death.
