[Lethal intravenous infusion of a wound antiseptic containing polyhexanide].
Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is considered to be highly histocompatible and is one of the most frequently used wound antiseptics. Only one case of intoxication has been reported so far. The present case of a lethal intoxication is the first fatal incident described where causality is substantiated by a temporal coincidence between application and ascertainable organ damage. The laboratory-chemical and histological investigations verified the toxicity of this substance after intravenous application with the main findings being severe hepatic and pancreatic damage.
Wehner
Frank
F
Institut für Gerichtliche Medizin, Universität Tübingen.
Wehner
Heinz-Dieter
HD
Schulz
Martin Manfred
MM
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001344:Autopsy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001645:Biguanides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000473:pathology*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010179:Pancreas / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D019283:Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*
D001645:Biguanides; D004202:Disinfectants; C031233:polihexanide