Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology (대한임상독성학회지)

Korean society of Clincal Toxicology (대한임상독성학회)
권호 표지

A Clinical Analysis of Patient Exposure to Sulfuric Acid Injured

황산 손상 환자의 임상적 고찰

  • Oh, Se Kwang (Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital) ;
  • Shin, Hee Jun (Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Yoo, Byeong Dai (Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital) ;
  • Jun, Duck Ho (Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Dong Ha (Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Ki Hwan (Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital)
  • 오세광 (순천향대학교 구미병원 응급의학교실) ;
  • 신희준 (순천향대학교 부천병원 응급의학교실) ;
  • 유병대 (순천향대학교 구미병원 응급의학교실) ;
  • 전덕호 (순천향대학교 구미병원 응급의학교실) ;
  • 이동하 (순천향대학교 구미병원 응급의학교실) ;
  • 김기환 (순천향대학교 구미병원 응급의학교실)
  • Received : 2016.05.11
  • Accepted : 2016.05.27
  • Published : 2016.06.30
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the characteristics associated with sulfuric acid injury in the emergency department. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from January 2007 to December 2015 on all sulfuric acid injuries presenting to the emergency department in Gu-mi Soonchunhyung University Hospital. Patients injured by sulfuric acid were recorded over a nine year study period and collected data included demographics, injury mechanism, injured body part, hospital care and final diagnosis. Results: A total of 26 cases were identified. Most patients were male (88.5%) and the face was the most commonly injured body part. The most common mechanism of injury was splashing injury. A total of 16 (61.5%) patients were identified as having lesions worse than second degree burns. Conclusion: Sulfuric acid can cause severe and fatal skin burn. When working with sulfuric acid, acid proof protect clothing, goggles and glove should be worn. Furthermore, safety education and workplace environment improvement are necessary to reduce sulfuric acid injury.

Keywords

References

  1. Moriarty TF. Corrosive chemicals: acids and alkali. Drug Ther 1979;3:89.
  2. Shin HJ, Oh SK, Yoo BD, Jun DH, Lee DH, Woo KH et al. A Clinical Analysis of Patients Who Visited Emergency Department due to Chemical Incident Occurred at Industrial Place: A Retrospective Study. J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol 2015;13:78-86.
  3. Palao R, Monge I, Ruiz M, Barret JP. Chemical burns: pathophysiology and treatment. Burns 2010;36:295-304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2009.07.009
  4. Carlotto RC, Peters WJ, Neligan PC, Douglas LG, Beeston J. Chemical burns. Can J Surg 1996;39:205-11.
  5. Jelenko C 3rd. Chemicals that "burn". J Trauma 1974;14:65-72. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-197401000-00009
  6. Lusk PG. Chemical eye injuries in the workplace. prevention and management. AAOHN J 1999;47:80-7. https://doi.org/10.1177/216507999904700207
  7. Bond SJ, Schnier GC, Sundine MJ, Maniscalco SP, Groff DB. Cutaneous burns caused by sulfuric acid drain cleaner. J Trauma 1998;44:523-6. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-199803000-00019
  8. National Library of Medicine. Hazardous Substances Data Bank. Fact Sheet for sulfuric acid; Available from: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov [cited 13. Mar. 2016]
  9. Jurkiewicz M. J. Plastic surgery: principles and practice. St Louis: Mosby;1990. p1355-410.
  10. Faga A, Scevola D, Mezzetti M.G, Scevola S. sulphuric acid burned women in Bangladesh: a social and medical problem. Burns 2000;26:701-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-4179(00)00049-8
  11. Knapp MJ, Bunn WB, Stave GM. Adult respiratory distress syndrome from sulfuric acid fume inhalation. South Med J 1991;84:1031-3. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-199108000-00021
  12. Benomran FA, Hassan AI, Masood SS. Accidental fatal inhalation of sulfuric acid fumes. J Forensic Leg Med 2008;15:56-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcfm.2006.09.002
  13. Leung KK, Yusuf TE. Education and imaging. Gastrointestinal: gastrointestinal injury caused by sulfuric acid. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008;23:159.
  14. Matshes EW, Taylor KA, Rao VJ. Sulfuric acid injury. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2008;29:340-5. https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181847e3d