Journal of Trauma and Injury

The Korean Society of Traumatology (대한외상학회)
권호 표지

Two Cases of Chemical Burns by Hydrofluoric Acid

불화수소산에 의한 화학화상 2례

  • Jang, Sung-Won (Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Keimyung, Dongsan Medical Center) ;
  • Sohn, You-Dong (Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Keimyung, Dongsan Medical Center) ;
  • Choi, Woo-Ik (Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Keimyung, Dongsan Medical Center) ;
  • 장성원 (계명대학교 의과대학 동산의료원 응급의학교실) ;
  • 손유동 (계명대학교 의과대학 동산의료원 응급의학교실) ;
  • 주명돈 (계명대학교 의과대학 동산의료원 응급의학교실) ;
  • 최우익 (계명대학교 의과대학 동산의료원 응급의학교실)
  • Received : 2006.08.17
  • Accepted : 2006.11.14
  • Published : 2006.12.30
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Abstract

Hydrofluoric acid is a colorless gas or fuming liquid with a strong, irritating odor. Hydrofluoric acid burns are uncommon; however, if severe burn occur, they caused death from systemic effects, such as fatal cardiac arrthmia. We experienced two cases of hydrofluoric acid chemical burns on digits. These patients had typical clinical features of hydrofluoric acid chemical burns, such as pulsating pain at the burn site, as well as ischemic and necrotic skin changes. The hydrofluoric acid chemical burn was confirmed by a history of exposure. Subsequently, we made a calcium gluconate gel by mixing 20% calcium gluconate, an antagonist against hydrofluoric acid, with lubricant, and we injected 10% calcium gluconate subcutaneously when they complained of pain rated at higher than 5 on the pain scale. Simultaneously, we monitored the patients' electrocardiographs and checked their serum total calcium, ionized calcium, and magnesium levels serially. Clinical presentations and the emergency management of hydrofluoric acid chemical burns were reviewed along with the current literature. These patients were discharged without any significant complications.

Keywords

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