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Two Cases of Chemical Burns by Hydrofluoric Acid  

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)
Publication Information
Journal of Trauma and Injury / v.19, no.2, 2006 , pp. 173-177 More about this Journal
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
Hydrofluoric acid; Calcium gluconate; Chemical burn;
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