Hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia following hydrofluoric acid chemical injury

J Burn Care Res. 2008 May-Jun;29(3):541-3. doi: 10.1097/BCR.0b013e3181711152.

Abstract

Dermal exposure to hydrofluoric acid could potentially result in severe serum calcium and magnesium depletion induced by binding with fluoride anion. This report describes the case of a 48-year-old man who developed hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia accompanied by hypokalemia-an interesting finding-following a chemical injury with exposure to 70% hydrofluoric acid. Successful treatment included administration of calcium gluconate and magnesium both intravenously and topically.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Burns, Chemical / complications*
  • Calcium Gluconate / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydrofluoric Acid / poisoning*
  • Hypocalcemia / drug therapy
  • Hypocalcemia / etiology*
  • Hypokalemia / drug therapy
  • Hypokalemia / etiology*
  • Magnesium / therapeutic use
  • Magnesium Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Magnesium Deficiency / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Magnesium
  • Hydrofluoric Acid
  • Calcium Gluconate