Comparison of topical magnesium and calcium treatment for dermal hydrofluoric acid burns.
OBJECTIVE
To compare topical preparations of magnesium and calcium in the treatment of dermal hydrofluoric acid burns.


METHODS
A randomized, blinded, controlled animal model study.


METHODS
Animal care facility.


METHODS
New Zealand rabbits.


METHODS
Each rabbit was burned with hydrofluoric acid at four sites along the thoracolumbar spine. Equimolar amounts of calcium gluconate, magnesium gluconate, and a magnesium hydroxide antacid were added into a lubricating jelly. The jelly alone was a control preparation. After a water rinse, the burns were massaged with the gels for 1 minute five times; at 4 and 20 minutes and at 1, 4, and 24 hours. Each rabbit served as its own control by receiving all four treatments.


RESULTS
Burn diameter and burn surface area diminished over time, but there were no statistically significantly differences among the treatments. Burn ranking and burn rating of severity also did not demonstrate differences. The histologic analysis of the burns, however, demonstrated that calcium gluconate-treated burns were less severe and more superficial than the control and magnesium gluconate-treated burns; the magnesium hydroxide antacid-treated burns were not statistically different compared to the calcium gluconate-treated burns.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical calcium gluconate is an efficacious treatment for dermal hydrofluoric acid burns. Further research is needed to determine the role of magnesium-containing antacids in the treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns.
Burkhart
K K
KK
Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver General Hospital, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
Brent
J
J
Kirk
M A
MA
Baker
D C
DC
Kulig
K W
KW
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002125:Calcium Gluconate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005942:Gluconates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009824:Ointments; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation
D005942:Gluconates; D009824:Ointments; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide; C030691:gluconic acid; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid; D002125:Calcium Gluconate