Ortho-phthalaldehyde-induced skin mucous membrane damage from inadequate washing.
Because body fluids and blood have a tendency to adhere to transesophageal echo devices, a high level of sterilisation is required when cleaning them. Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) has been widely used in Japan since being approved as a high-level sterilant. The authors report a patient with widespread, severe skin and mucous membrane damage of the lip, tongue, pharynx and oesophagus areas that was attributed to inadequate washing after the sterilisation of a transesophageal echo device with OPA. This patient experienced sequelae, which did not improve after more than 1 year of continuous treatment. When using medical devices sterilised with OPA, the use of a probe cover, when applicable, is recommended and complete washing prior to use is required.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shizuoka Children's Hospital, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka, Japan. hioka-naoki@ah.wakwak.com
Masaru
M
Horikiri
Susam
S
Park
Takahiro
T
Matsui
Komei
K
Suzuki
Takanori
T
Matsuoka
D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000633:toxicity*; D004203:Disinfection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000187:drug effects*; D009764:o-Phthalaldehyde / Q000633:toxicity*
D004202:Disinfectants; D009764:o-Phthalaldehyde