Medical Management of Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure

Author: Upfal M, Doyle C, Department of Family Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201

Journal: J Occup Med 1990 Aug;32(8):726-31

Abstract: Hydrofluoric acid burns are usually due to accidental exposure. Deep tissue injury may result, damaging nerves, blood vessels. tendons, and bone. Concentrated hydrofluoric acid may cause immediate pain; dilute solutions may result in a delay of symptoms for many hours. Symptoms are usually out of proportion to the observed injury. Appropriate first aid and medical management can dramatically affect the prognosis. Local treatment consists of copious water lavage and the application of topical neutralization agents. For more severe exposures, calcium gluconate injection or intraarterial infusion of calcium gluconate may be indicated as well. Life-threatening alterations of electrolytes can occur, with ensuring arrhythmias. Inhalation, ingestion, and ocular exposures require specialized treatment and referral.

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I just spent three hours in the ER. The trip to the ER was precipitated by my getting a mixture of bleach, Mr. Clean and water in my left eye while scrubbing the soffits of the siding on my house. Whilst in the ER, I had my eye irrigated twice with a 0.9% solution of NaCl using the Morgan Lens to facilitate the irrigation. THANK YOU for creating the Morgan Lens. My eye felt so much better after the second round of irrigation, and it did take two rounds before the pH level in my eye returned to normal. I know companies always hear about the things that go wrong with their equipment. I want you to know that your equipment did something wonderful, and I want you to know how very much I appreciate it.

Patient - Platteville, WI

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The Morgan Lens is used in 90% of hospital emergency departments in the USA and can be inserted in less than 20 seconds. There simply is no other "hands-free" method of eye irrigation. Nothing else frees medical personnel to treat other injuries or to transport the patient while irrigation is underway. Nothing is more effective at treating ocular chemical, thermal, and actinic burns or removing non-embedded foreign bodies, even when the patient's eyes are closed tightly. Its design makes it simple and straightforward to use so minimal training is required.

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