Caustic burn: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 22:45, 22 December 2014
Background
Caustics
- Substances that cause damage on contact with body surfaces
- Degree of injury determined by pH, concentration, volume, duration of contact
- Acidic agents cause coagulative necrosis
- Alkaline agents cause liquefactive necrosis (considered more damaging to most tissues)
- Corrosive agents have reducing, oxidising, denaturing or defatting potential
Alkalis
- Accepts protons → free hydroxide ion, which easily penetrates tissue → cellular destruction
- Liquefactive necrosis and protein disruption may allow for deep penetration into surrounding tissues
- Examples
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH)
- Lye present in drain cleaners, hair relaxers, grease remover
- Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and Ammonia (NH3)
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH)
Acids
- Proton donor → free hydrogen ion → cell death via denatured protein → coagulation necrosis and eschar formation, which limits deeper involvement
- However, due to pylorospasm and pooling of acid, high-grade gastric injuries are common
- Mortality rate is higher compared to strong alkali ingestions
- However, due to pylorospasm and pooling of acid, high-grade gastric injuries are common
- Can be systemically absorbed and → metabolic acidosis, hemolysis, AKI
- Examples
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), Phosphoric acid, Oxalic Acid, Acetic acid
- Found in: auto batteries, drain openers, toilet bowl, metal cleaners, swimming pool cleaners, rust remover, nail primer
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), Phosphoric acid, Oxalic Acid, Acetic acid
Diagnosis
- All pts w/ serious esophageal injuries have some initial sign or symptom
- E.g. stridor, drooling, vomiting
- Exam eyes and skin (splash and dribble injuries may easily be missed)
- GI tract injury
- Dysphagia, odynophagia, epigastric pain, vomiting
- Laryngotracheal injury
- Dysphonia, stridor, respiratory distress
- Occurs via aspiration of caustic or vomitus or inhalation of acidic fumes
Types
Caustic Burns
- Caustic ingestion
- Caustic eye exposure (Caustic keratoconjunctivitis)
- Caustic dermal burn
- Airbag-related burns
- Hydrofluoric acid
- Tar burn
- Cement burn