Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Hydrogen peroxide enteritis: the "snow white" sign.

J J Bilotta1, J D Waye

  • 1Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|September 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Hydrogen peroxide used to sterilize endoscopes caused a temporary enteritis in seven patients. Symptoms resolved without lasting harm, highlighting the need for careful disinfectant protocols in clinical settings.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Accuracy and interrater reliability for the diagnosis of Barrett's neoplasia among users of a novel, portable high-resolution microendoscope.

Diseases of the esophagus : official journal of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus·2013
Same author

What is the best test for the patient with inflammatory bowel disease: colonoscopy or the barium enema?

Inflammatory bowel diseases·2013
Same author

Colonoscopic polypectomy.

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy·2008
Same author

Small-bowel endoscopy.

Endoscopy·2003
Same author

The best way to painless colonoscopy.

Endoscopy·2002
Same author

Endoscopic mucosal resection of colon polyps.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America·2002

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Disease Control
  • Medical Device Sterilization

Background:

  • Hydrogen peroxide is a widely used disinfectant in clinical settings.
  • Proper sterilization of gastrointestinal endoscopes is crucial for patient safety.

Observation:

  • An outbreak of hydrogen peroxide enteritis occurred in seven patients over two weeks.
  • Endoscopes flushed with 3% hydrogen peroxide after glutaraldehyde sterilization were implicated.
  • A "snow white" sign and effervescence were observed on mucosal surfaces during endoscopy.

Findings:

  • Patients developed transient hydrogen peroxide enteritis.
  • Biopsies showed nonspecific inflammation.
  • No long-term morbidity or mortality was associated with the enteritis.

Implications:

  • This event underscores the potential toxicity of hydrogen peroxide when used improperly in endoscopic procedures.
  • Review of hydrogen peroxide enema toxicity and enteritis pathogenesis is warranted.
  • Adherence to strict disinfection protocols is essential to prevent similar incidents.

Related Experiment Videos