DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive
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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