A Rare Case of Extensive Hydrofluoric Acid Burn

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a highly corrosive and toxic substance.
• HF burns, even on small Total Body Surface Area (TBSA), can cause severe systemic toxicity, including hypocalcemia and death.
• HF chemical burns are increasingly common and a leading cause of burn-related mortality.

Observation:

• A rare case of a patient with extensive 91% TBSA burns caused by 35% HF is presented.
• The patient experienced severe complications including shock, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, and respiratory failure.
• Immediate multidisciplinary team consultation was crucial for developing an individualized treatment plan.

Findings:

• Intensive care included fluid resuscitation, continuous blood purification, calcium supplementation, and early rehabilitation.
• Surgical interventions involved large-area debridement and various skin grafting techniques (e.g., Meek skin grafting).
• Negative pressure wound therapy and biological dressings were utilized to promote healing.
• The patient received significant calcium gluconate administration and continuous wet dressings for wound management.

Implications:

• This case highlights the critical importance of prompt, multidisciplinary management for severe hydrofluoric acid chemical burns.
• Aggressive debridement, advanced wound care, and systemic calcium management are vital for improving outcomes.
• Successful treatment can lead to significant wound healing and restoration of functional independence even in extensive burn cases.