Chlorhexidine-Induced Chemical Burns in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

J Pediatr. 2017 Dec:191:262-265.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.08.002.

Abstract

Skin disinfection with chlorhexidine gluconate has not been standardized in preterm infants. We present 5 cases of chemical burns that occurred within the first 2 days of life in very low birth weight neonates after skin disinfection with aqueous and alcohol-based chlorhexidine solutions.

Keywords: antisepsis; chemical burns; chlorhexidine gluconate; disinfection; extremely low birth weight infant; isopropyl alcohol; very low birth weight infant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / adverse effects*
  • Burns, Chemical / diagnosis
  • Burns, Chemical / etiology*
  • Chlorhexidine / adverse effects
  • Chlorhexidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • chlorhexidine gluconate
  • Chlorhexidine