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Formic acid skin burns resulting in systemic toxicity
T C Chan1, S R Williams, R F Clark
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Severe formic acid burns in a child caused systemic toxicity, including extreme metabolic acidosis. Treatment with hemodialysis and bicarbonate was successful, highlighting limited data on such injuries.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Formic acid chemical burns are rare.
- Systemic toxicity from formic acid exposure is not well-documented.
- Severe burns can lead to profound systemic effects.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old girl sustained severe formic acid burns (35% total body surface area).
- The patient exhibited profound metabolic acidosis and a record-high serum formate level (400 µg/mL).
Findings:
- The case demonstrates significant systemic toxicity following extensive formic acid skin burns.
- Hemodialysis, intravenous bicarbonate, and supportive care were effective in treating the patient.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe systemic effects from formic acid burns.
- Effective treatment strategies include aggressive fluid resuscitation, acid-base correction, and consideration of extracorporeal methods like hemodialysis.