In electrical burn injuries, which organ system requires careful monitoring due to the risk of injury?

• A. Liver function
• B. Respiratory rate only
• C. Kidney function
• D. Endocrine function

Answer: (C)

Electrical burn injuries pose a high risk of rhabdomyolysis, where skeletal muscle breakdown releases myoglobin that can injure the kidneys. Myoglobin cleared by the kidneys can accumulate in the renal tubules, causing obstruction and oxidative injury, which leads to acute kidney injury. Because of this, closely monitoring kidney function is essential after an electrical burn. Look for signs of muscle breakdown (such as dark urine) and track urine output, serum creatinine, BUN, and electrolytes. Electrolyte disturbances, especially hyperkalemia from cell lysis, also require attention. Early and aggressive intravenous fluids with isotonic saline help maintain renal perfusion and flush out circulating myoglobin, reducing the risk of renal injury. While liver, respiratory, and endocrine systems can be affected in severe cases, the kidneys are the primary organ system that needs careful monitoring due to the well-documented risk of myoglobin-related damage after electrical burns.