DO CHILDREN NEED TO BE MONITORED AFTER ELECTRIC SHOCKS

Objective: To determine whether cardiac monitoring is required in chil dren sustaining electric shock at Australian household voltage. Method ology: Records of patients admitted via the Emergency Department of Pr incess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia, for the perio d 1968-96 were retrospectively reviewed. The initial ECG findings of p atients with an electric shock were recorded, and the development of a ny arrhythmia. Results: Forty-four patients were identified, 40 of who m had sustained a household electrical injury. One patient had an abno rmal 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 asymptomat ic and has a normal ECG on presentation.