Cardiac arrest following hydrogen peroxide irrigation of a breast wound.
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used for the decontamination of wounds. We report a case of a probable venous oxygen embolism resulting in cardiovascular collapse following irrigation of a necrotic breast wound with hydrogen peroxide. We discuss the differential diagnosis, mechanism of oxygen embolism and question the relative advantages versus disadvantages of using hydrogen peroxide for wound decontamination.
Beattie
C
C
Department of Anaesthesia, St John's Hospital, Howden, West Lothian, EH54 6PP, UK. craigbeattie@hotmail.com
Harry
L E
LE
Hamilton
S A
SA
Burke
D
D
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001940:Breast; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide