Survival after a massive hydrofluoric acid ingestion.
BACKGROUND
Hydrofluoric acid ingestion is known to have a very high mortality rate secondary to the rapid development of hypocalcemia and fatal arrhythmias.


METHODS
A 33-year-old man ingested an estimated dose of hydrofluoric acid 6 times that considered to be lethal. The patient survived with minimal morbidity despite having multiple ventricular fibrillation arrests. His survival is attributed to early, high dose calcium therapy given via the nasogastric and intravenous routes.
Chan
B S
BS
Department of Renal Medicine and Toxicology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown NSW, Sydney, Australia.
Duggin
G G
GG
D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid / Q000506:poisoning*; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008297:Male; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced*
D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid