[Severe side effects after Octenisept irrigation of penetrating wounds in children]

Deep penetrating wounds in children's hands are repeatedly treated in emergency wards conservatively through irrigation, antibiotic therapy and splint immobilisation. After we had seen severest phlegmonous reactions after irrigation with Octenisept followed by long troublesome histories we would like to warn against using this antiseptic agent for irrigation of wounds. We give an overview about the significance of antiseptics and the use of antibiotics in the treatment of deeper contaminated wounds.

Between 2003 and 2007, 5 children (aged 2 to 8 years) were treated for sequelae of local wound irrigation with Octenisept in perforating hand injuries. We describe the early and medium-term aspects after irrigation, the further development, therapeutic measures, long-term damages and necessary reconstructions. We present the results of bacteriological smear tests, laboratory reports and histological examinations as well as allergy tests.

All children showed more or less identical hand appearances. Hands were swollen caused by an interstitial oedema, compartment pressures were increased and hand function was completely suspended. The oedemas persisted for weeks and were hardly controllable. Especially serious were injuries at thenar level and in the first web space. Long-term sequelae were contractures caused by fibrotic muscle changes. Neither through bacteriological nor histological analysis were hints of bacterial or viral infections found. An allergic reaction to Octenisept could be excluded in the 3 most heavily affected children by an ROAT test.

To prevent damage, contaminated wounds should be operatively debrided and not be irrigated with an antiseptic liquid. Octenisept seems to have a toxic effect in non-distinguished tissue. Because of a slow resorption it remains for a long time in the tissue. For therapy we recommend fasciotomy of the mid-hand and probably finger compartments, followed by compression treatment, physiotherapy with lymphatic drainage, dynamic and static splints.