Accidental feeding of a dilute antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine 0.05% with cetrimide 1%) to five babies.
Five normal newborn breast fed babies were accidentally fed a dilute antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine 0.05% with cetrimide 1%) in place of sterile water, developing caustic burns of the lips, mouth and tongue within minutes; one baby became quite severely ill due to acute pulmonary oedema, but all survived without sequelae.
Mucklow
E S
ES
Neonatal Department, St. Mary's Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight.
D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology; D002424:Caustics / Q000009:adverse effects; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds / Q000506:poisoning*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth / Q000293:injuries; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000506:poisoning*
D002424:Caustics; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D002710:Chlorhexidine