Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 10:39:18 -0700
Reply-To: Gordon Miller <miller22**At_Symbol_Here**LLNL.GOV>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Gordon Miller <miller22**At_Symbol_Here**LLNL.GOV>
Subject: Prevor's Hexafluorine HF Antidote,
Abstract of Paper Finding Lack of Efficacy

Hexafluorine vs. standard decontamination to reduce systemic toxicity 
after dermal exposure to hydrofluoric acid (#). Peter Hulten, J. 
Hojer, U. Ludwigs and A. Janson.          Journal of Toxicology: 
Clinical Toxicology 42.4 (June 2004):  p355(7).  7 PDF pages   | 
About this publication   |  How to Cite   |  Source Citation | 
Subjects 

Abstract:   Introduction. Dermal exposure to hydrofluoric acid (HF) 
may cause severe burns and systemic toxicity. Hexafluorine[R] 
(Prevor, France) is a product marketed as an emergency 
decontamination fluid for HF skin and eye exposures. Documentation 
concerning  Hexafluorine is scanty, and a recent study indicates that 
its ability to reduce HF burns is at most equal to that of water. 
Objective. The present study was conducted to evaluate Hexafluorine's 
capacity to reduce HF-induced systemic toxicity. Methods. Sprague 
Dawley rats  were anesthetized, catheterized in the left femoral 
artery, and shaved on their back. A filter paper (3.5 x 6 cm) was 
soaked in 50% HF and applied on the back of each rat for 3 min. 
Thirty seconds after removal of the paper, a 3-min rinsing with 
either 500 mL  Hexafluorine (group H), 500 mL water (group W), or 500 
mL water followed by a single application of 2.5% calcium gluconate 
gel (group Ca) was carried out. Blood samples were analyzed for 
ionized calcium and potassium (before injury and 1, 2, 3, and 4 h 
after) and also for ionized fluoride (1, 2, and 4 h after injury). 
Results. The animals developed hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, and 
hyperfluoridemia after the HF exposure. The only significant 
difference observed among the groups was in serum potassium at 1  h 
between group Ca and group W. However, there was a constant trend 
toward milder hypocalcemia and less pronounced hyperkalemia in group 
Ca compared to the other groups. There were no differences in the 
electrolyte disturbances between the  Hexafluorine-treated animals 
and those treated with water only. Five of 39 animals died before 
completion of the experiment as a result of the HF exposure, one from 
group Ca and two from each of the other two groups. Conclusion. In 
this experimental study,  decontamination with Hexafluorine was not 
more effective than water rinsing in reducing electrolyte 
disturbances caused by dermal exposure to hydrofluoric acid. 

Key Words: Dermal exposure; Fluoride intoxication; Hexafluorine; 
Hydrofluoric acid; Hypocalcemia; Systemic toxicity. 

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