Fatal Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation Due to Ingestion of Hydrofluoric Acid

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2019 Nov;35(11):e201-e202. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001548.

Abstract

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a colorless and odorless solution of the hydrogen fluoride in water. It is used in some household products. The rapid onset of severe toxicity and death after the ingestion of HF is not reported often. Also, there is no reported fatal pediatric case after HF ingestion. In this case report, we present a 3.5-year-old girls who unintentionally drunk a rust remover that contained 8% HF. She died in a short period as a result of refractory ventricular fibrillation, which was developed due to fluoride intoxication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Electric Countershock
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / etiology
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Household Products / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Hydrofluoric Acid / poisoning*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy

Substances

  • Hydrofluoric Acid