title: Chlorhexidine-methanol burns in two extreme preterm newborns.
abstract: Safe and effective antiseptic use in neonatal intensive care units is mandatory. High efficacy and a low number of side-effects from chlorhexidine have permitted avoidance of the use of mercurials and iodine derivatives, but methanol use can be unsafe in extreme preterm newborns. We report two cases of chemical burn after skin cleansing, due to alcoholic chlorhexidine (0.5%) use in extremely premature infants used for umbilical catheter insertion. Although this formulation is less concerning for use in full-term newborns, nonalcoholic preparations are preferable for use in preterm newborns.
authors.affiliation: Neonatal Unit, Dermatology Service, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, Spain. bringue@comll.cat
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Bringué Espuny
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Soria
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Solé
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: Juan Jose
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Marco
authors.forename: Josep
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ortega
authors.forename: Mieria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ortiz
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pueyo
mesh_terms: D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology*; D002404:Catheterization; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000075202:Contraindications; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D000432:Methanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014427:Twins; D014472:Umbilicus
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D012997:Solvents; D002710:Chlorhexidine; D000432:Methanol