Hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia due to hydrofluoric acid.
Hydrofluoric acid readily penetrates the skin and mucous membranes, causing deep tissue layer destruction. Dermal exposure can produce hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hyperkalaemia, cardiac dysrhythmias and death. We report the case of a 52-year-old man who presented hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia due to occupational dermal contact with hydrofluoric acid. Hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia were corrected by i.v. administration of calcium gluconate and magnesium sulphate.
Sanz-Gallén
P
P
Unit of Toxicolog, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona, Spain. 17039psg@comb.es
Nogué
S
S
Munné
P
P
Faraldo
A
A
D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002125:Calcium Gluconate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*
D008274:Magnesium; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid; D002125:Calcium Gluconate