Article Text
Abstract
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive acid widely used in various industries. When in contact with skin it causes local and systemic reactions due to the generation of fluoride ions. Severe burns are associated with high mortality rates, approaching 100%. We present a 21-year-old man with 15% full thickness burns, severe metabolic acidosis, hypoxia and electrolyte disturbances. The burns were treated with topical and subcutaneous injections of calcium gluconate, and the patient was given intravenous fluid, calcium chloride, magnesium and insulin-glucose infusions. Continuous renal replacement therapy was initiated due to the severity of the systemic toxicity. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was considered as it plays a vital role when conventional therapies fail. Our patient suffered multiple cardiac arrests and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was conducted several times but despite extensive efforts, he did not survive.
- poisoning
- intensive care
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Footnotes
Contributors I am the corresponding author for this case report, HI is a speciality registrar in anaesthetics who would be the second author. KM and RV are our consultants who have helped us write this article.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.