[A case of high-pressure injection injury of hand complicated with deep chemical burn caused by industrial cement].

This article reports a patient with extensive high-pressure injection injury of the hand combined with deep chemical burn caused by high-pressure injection of industrial cement materials was diagnosed and treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Xiaolan Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University in 2022. The nerves, tendons and blood vessels of the left hand were involved, and the ulnar skin of the left thumb was extensively necrosis, and a large number of extensive cement foreign bodies remained under the skin. Part of the cement was inserted into the joint capsule of the interphalangeal joint. After emergency surgical treatment, the patient was saved successfully, and the wound healed well without chemical poisoning and other related complications, which created conditions for the second stage of flap repair.

Validity and Reliability of the European Organization Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Oesophagogastric 25 in Indian Patients With Corrosive-Induced Benign Refractory Esophageal Strictures.

Background The European organization Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Oesophagogastric 25 (EORTC QLQ-OG 25) is designed for patients with esophagogastric cancer. Its performance has never been tested with benign disorders. A health-related quality-of-life questionnaire does not exist for patients with benign corrosive-induced esophageal strictures. Hence, we evaluated the EORTC QLQ-OG 25 in Indian patients with corrosive strictures. Methods The English or Hindi version of QLQ-OG 25 was administered to 31 adult patients undergoing outpatient esophageal dilation at GB Pant hospital, New Delhi. These patients had refractory or recurrent esophageal strictures due to corrosive ingestion and had not undergone reconstructive surgery. Score distribution was analyzed, and item performance was determined based on floor and ceiling effects. Convergent validity, discriminant validity, and internal consistency were checked. Results The average time to finish the questionnaire was 6.70 minutes. Most scales fulfilled convergent validity (corrected item-total correlation >0.4), barring the Odynophagia scale and one item of the Dysphagia scale. Most scales exhibited divergent validity except for odynophagia and one item of dysphagia. Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 for all scales except odynophagia. Responses to questions evaluating taste, cough, swallowing saliva, and talking were highly skewed and had prominent floor effects. Overall, the questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency, convergent validity, and divergent validity in benign corrosive-induced refractory esophageal strictures patients. Conclusion The EORTC QLQ-OG 25 can be satisfactorily used in patients with benign esophageal strictures to assess health-related quality of life.

[A case of corrosive digestive tract and lung injury caused by ingestion of pipeline dredging agent].

Ingestion of corrosive substances can severely burn the upper digestive tract leading to bleeding or perforation, and may even be life-threatening. Less commonly, damage to the trachea and bronchi is involved. In this paper, a case of corrosive digestive tract injury and lung injury after oral administration of pipeline dredging agent (the main components are hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hypochlorite, etc.) was analyzed. After active rescue treatment, the patient died of massive hemoptysis. It is suggested that serious complications may occur after ingestion of corrosive substances. Timely diagnosis and reasonable medical management are needed to improve the level of recognition and treatment of such diseases.

Fatal hydrofluoric acid poisoning: histologic findings and review of the literature.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF), the inorganic acid of elemental fluorine, is a highly dangerous substance and death can result from a very small exposure. In addition to local toxicity, HF can trigger fatal systemic reactions by its high affinity for calcium and magnesium. The authors report the autopsy case of a male worker who was exposed to 50% HF while repairing the leakage from an HF tank valve in a semi-conductor washing factory. His colleagues found blisters on his neck after 6 h of work and he was sent to the hospital. However, he expired from cardiac arrest despite an immediate calcium gluconate injection. At autopsy, burns with eschar covering less than 5% of the total body surface were identified on the neck and around both ears, and microscopic examination of the affected skin revealed extensive necrosis of the epidermis and dermis with pustule formation. In chemical analysis, no fluoride ions were detected in blood, vitreous humor, urine, pleural fluid, bile, or skin tissue from the neck. Considering the chemical burns on the neck and the circumstantial information, the cause of death was determined to be HF poisoning. This article presents the clinical manifestations of local and systemic toxicity after the accidental exposure to a high concentration of HF, with histologic demonstrations of chemical burns.

A case of corrosive digestive tract and lung injury caused by ingestion of pipeline dredging agent / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Ingestion of corrosive substances can severely burn the upper digestive tract leading to bleeding or perforation, and may even be life-threatening. Less commonly, damage to the trachea and bronchi is involved. In this paper, a case of corrosive digestive tract injury and lung injury after oral administration of pipeline dredging agent (the main components are hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hypochlorite, etc.) was analyzed. After active rescue treatment, the patient died of massive hemoptysis. It is suggested that serious complications may occur after ingestion of corrosive substances. Timely diagnosis and reasonable medical management are needed to improve the level of recognition and treatment of such diseases.

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de queimaduras químicas em uma Unidade de Terapia de Queimados no Brasil / Clinical-epidemiological profile of chemical burns in a Burn Therapy Unit (BTU) in Brazil

Introdução: Substâncias químicas apresentam uma prevalência relativamente baixa dentre as causas de queimaduras. Porém, têm importância, pois a maioria dos acidentes ocorrem no âmbito do trabalho e em população economicamente ativa. O objetivo é realizar uma análise do perfil dos pacientes internados por queimaduras químicas em uma Unidade de Queimados. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de pacientes internados na Unidade de Queimados do Hospital Estadual de Bauru, Bauru, SP, Brasil, entre os anos de 2008 e 2018. Múltiplas variáveis foram analisadas, como idade, sexo, agente químico, local onde ocorreu o acidente, necessidade de internação em UTI e dias de hospitalização. Resultados: No total, 40 (1,7%) pacientes foram internados devido a queimadura química. A média de idade foi de 35 anos, com predominância do sexo masculino, com 30 (75%) indivíduos. O principal local do trauma foi no ambiente de trabalho, em 20 casos (50%). Acidentes com base foram responsáveis por 20 (50%) internações. A superfície corporal queimada média foi de 7,5%. Queimadura ocular ocorreu em 11 (27,5%) pacientes. Leito de terapia intensiva foi necessário para 10 (25%) casos. Quando comparados os acidentes entre substâncias ácidas e bases, evidenciamos diferença no número de pacientes internados em UTI, com oito pacientes em lesões envolvendo bases e dois com ácidos (p=0,04). Conclusão: A casuística e resultados apresentados neste artigo são semelhantes à literatura mundial sobre o assunto. Evidenciamos a importância dessa queimadura no ambiente de trabalho e o acometimento de indivíduos em idade ativa, assim como a maior gravidade de acidentes com substância química.

Introduction: Chemicals have a relatively low prevalence among the causes of burns. However, they are important because most accidents occur in the scope of work and in an economically active population. The objective is to perform an analysis of the profile of patients hospitalized for chemical burns in a Burn Unit. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized in the Burn Unit of the State Hospital of Bauru, Bauru, SP, Brazil, between 2008 and 2018. Multiple variables were analyzed, such as age, gender, chemical agent, place where the accident occurred, need for ICU stay and days of hospitalization. Results: In total, 40 (1.7%) patients were hospitalized due to chemical burn. The mean age was 35 years, with predominance of males, with 30 (75%) individuals. The main site of trauma was in the workplace, in 20 cases (50%). Based accidents were responsible for 20 (50%) admissions. The mean burned body surface was 7.5%. Eye burn occurred in 11 (27.5%) patients. Intensive care bed was required for 10 (25%) cases. When comparing accidents between acid iced substances and bases, we noted a difference in the number of ICU patients, with eight patients in lesions involving bases and two with acids (p=0.04). Conclusion: The sample and results presented in this article are similar to the world literature on the subject. We evidenced the importance of this burn in the work environment and the involvement of individuals of active age, as well as the greater severity of accidents with chemical substance.

Characteristic analysis and efficacy evaluation of bougie dilation and bougie dilation combined with stent implantation for pediatric caustic esophageal stenosis / 中华消化内镜杂志

To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic bougie dilation and stent implantation for pediatric caustic esophageal stenosis. Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of children with pediatric caustic esophageal stenosis from October 2009 to December 2019 at Department of Gastroenterology, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 50 caustic esophageal stenosis cases were enrolled, among whom, 94.0% (47/50) received conservative treatment before sending to our hospital. Thirty-six (72.0%) of them accidently ingested caustic substance of alkali and 22.0% (11/50) of them accidently ingested caustic substance of acid. Forty-six children (92.0%) who ingested caustic agents were younger than 7 years old. The stenosis was more common in the upper esophagus, accounting for 64.0% (32/50). Twenty-seven cases (54.0%) underwent simple bougie dilation and 16 cases (32.0%) underwent bougie dilation combined with stent treatment. All 50 children underwent a total of 1 260 expansions. The numbers of simple dilations and dilations combined with stent implantation were 37.8±26.2, 20.9±12.6 respectively with significant difference ( t=2.453, P=0.021). Among them, 2 cases (4.0%) underwent surgery, 5 cases (10.0%) underwent surgery combined with dilatation and stent implantation. The stenosis diameter widened significantly after treatment (1.1±0.2 cm VS 0.2±0.1 cm, t=23.004, P<0.001), and the Stooler grade of dysphagia improved significantly (grade 3.5±0.5 VS 1.2±0.7, t=19.925, P<0.001). Perforation occurred in only 1 patient, who was cured by conservative treatment with stent implantation. The total effective rate was 100.0% (50/50) and the satisfaction rate was 98.0% (49/50). Endoscopic bougie dilation and bougie dilation combined with stent implantation is safe and effective for pediatric caustic esophageal stenosis. Combination with stent implantation can reduce the number of dilation times.

Ethylene oxide burn in a chemical plant worker: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ethylene oxide is a chemical agent that is widely used for the sterilization of medical equipment and the manufacture of chemicals. Although ethylene oxide burns are frequent and can be severe, many workers are unaware of their risks. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old man presented with painful exudative lesions on the right foot after working with ethylene oxide solution in a chemical plant. The patient stated that the solution had percolated through his shoe and he had not washed the solution off for 5 hours. Symptoms, including pain and erythema, appeared after a delay of more than 12 hours from the time of initial exposure. The skin of his right foot was irrigated with saline and covered with a wet dressing and topical antibiotics in the emergency department. The patient was followed up for 4 weeks at an outpatient clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Ethylene oxide causes skin irritation, dermatitis, and burns in severe cases. Since skin reactions can be delayed for more than 12 hours after exposure, it is important to remove contaminated shoes and clothing immediately and wash the exposed area even in the absence of symptoms. It is also necessary to provide the appropriate protective equipment and educate workers on the dangers of ethylene oxide.

Queimadura por asfalto: relato de caso e revisão terapêutica / Hot asphalt burns: case report and therapeutic review

As queimaduras por asfalto quente representam uma ameaça para a saúde devido ao risco de morte e adesão aos tecidos. Paciente do sexo masculino, 40 anos, vítima de queimadura de 1° e 2° graus por asfalto quente em 20% da superfície corporal. O asfalto aderido na pele foi removido no 4º dia de UTI com vaselina líquida, e as queimaduras, tratadas com cicatrizante tópico. As queimaduras por asfalto quente são graves e representam 1,4% dos casos hospitalizados. Acometem jovens nas regiões da pele e vias aéreas por inalação dos vapores. Remover o asfalto da pele caracteriza-se em grande desafio terapêutico.

Hot asphalt burns are a health threat due to the risk of death and adhesion to tissues. A 40-year-old man suffered first and second-degree burns by hot asphalt on 20% of the body surface area. The asphalt adhered to the skin was removed on the 4th day of the ICU stay with liquid petroleum jelly, and the burns were treated with healing gel. Burns caused by hot asphalt are serious and represent 1.4% of hospitalized cases. They affect young people in the skin and airways by inhaling the vapors. Removing asphalt from the skin is a major therapeutic challenge.

[Early debridement combined with antidote in the treatment of one patient with chromic acid burn and acute kidney injury].

On November 16, 2018, one male patient, aged 52 years was admitted to Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital due to thermal chemical burn to the right lower limb for 1 hour. The total burn area reached 9% total body surface area (TBSA), including 7%TBSA of partial-thickness burn and 2% TBSA of full-thickness burn. After admission, the patient was treated with anti-infection, analgesia, fluid infusion. On November 19, the patient developed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and oliguria, the related laboratory examination showed acute kidney injury, and the patient was immediately treated with continuous renal replacement therapy. Eschar excision, eschar cutting and shaving, skin grafting were performed on 20 and 27 November, and the specific antidote was applied. After active treatment, the patient's condition was gradually stable and recovered, and he was discharged 2 months later. There was no obvious abnormality during follow-up of 5 months after discharge. This case reminds that clinicians shall strengthen the understanding of chromic acid burns, especially for the patient combined with thermal burns, timely and effective treatment of wounds after burns, close monitoring of liver and kidney function and blood chromium concentration, and early application of antidote are necessary.

Severe corneal burn due to the accidental application of salicylic acid packed in a plastic dropper bottle / Quemadura corneal grave debida a la aplicación accidental de ácido salicílico envasado en un frasco gotero plástico

Eye burns due to the accidental application of pharmacological or nonpharmacological substances packaged in plastic dropper bottles have been described for more than three decades and continue to occur. These burns can cause potentially serious corneal injuries. We report the case of a patient who mistakenly applied salicylic acid to the right eye after confusing it with an eye lubricant, which caused him a severe corneal burn. Fortunately, after aggressive medical and surgical management (including oxygen therapy and amniotic membrane grafting), the visual results were good. We suggest conducting educational campaigns and taking legislative measures in our country to avoid packaging corrosive substances in this type of dropper bottle to reduce the risk of accidental burns.

Las quemaduras oculares por aplicación accidental de sustancias farmacológicas o no farmacológicas envasadas en frascos goteros plásticos, se han descrito desde hace más de tres décadas y siguen ocurriendo. Estas quemaduras pueden causar lesiones potencialmente graves de la córnea. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que se aplicó ácido salicílico en el ojo derecho al confundir el envase con el de un lubricante ocular, lo que le causó una grave quemadura corneal. Afortunadamente, tras un manejo médico y quirúrgico agresivo (incluida oxigenoterapia e injerto de membrana amniótica) los resultados visuales fueron buenos. Se sugiere hacer campañas educativas y adoptar normas en el país para evitar el envase de sustancias corrosivas en este tipo de frascos goteros, con el fin de disminuir el riesgo de quemaduras accidentales.

[Preliminary clinical observations of retina injury in alkaline ocular trauma patients].

Objective: To investigate the features of the full-field electroretinogram (FERG) in patients with ocular surface alkaline injury, and to clarify the clinical significance of FERG examination in alkaline ocular trauma. Methods: Retrospective series of case study. A total of 22 patients with chemical ocular surface injury who were treated in the Department of Ophthalmology of Peking University Third Hospital from May 2018 to January 2020 were selected, including 20 males (25 eyes) and 2 females (2 eyes). The age ranged from 19 to 60 years old (average, 41). There were 17 eyes with alkaline ocular trauma, 7 eyes with thermal burn, and 3 eyes with acid ocular trauma. Seventeen contralateral healthy eyes in patients with unilateral mechanical trauma were used as controls. Fourteen alkaline trauma eyes with visual acuity records were further observed according to the degree of visual impairment. All patients were subjected to different flash intensity stimuli in accordance with a standard of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision for dark-adapted and light-adapted full-field FERG. One-way ANOVA and SNK-q was used for the comparison between groups. The unpaired t test was used for the comparison of patients with different vision. Results: Compared with healthy eyes the injured eyes' amplitude of dark adaption FERG b-wave under the dark stimulation of 0.01 cd·s·m-2 in alkaline ocular trauma, thermal burn, acid ocular trauma was (135±85), (169±55), and (112±43) versus (341±53) µV, respectively; compared with healthy eyes, the differences were statistically significant (F=31.38; q=8.94, 5.70， 5.45；all P<0.01). Compared with healthy eyes the injured eyes' amplitude of dark adaption FERG a-wave under the dark stimulation of 3.00 cd·s·m-2 in alkaline ocular trauma, thermal burn, acid ocular trauma was (178±78), (172±35), and (99±53) versus (334±60) µV, respectively; compared with healthy eyes, the differences were statistically significant (F=24.33; q=7.04， 5.60， 5.80；all P<0.01). Compared with healthy eyes the injured eyes' amplitude of dark adaption FERG b-wave under the dark stimulation of 3.00 cd·s·m-2 in alkaline ocular trauma, thermal burn, acid ocular trauma was (354±79), (342±77), and (352±201) versus (600±78) µV, respectively; compared with healthy eyes, the differences were statistically significant (F=27.68; q=8.11， 6.51， 4.48； all P<0.01). Compared with healthy eyes the injured eyes' amplitude of dark adaption FERG OPs under the dark stimulation of 3.00 cd·s·m-2 in alkaline ocular trauma, thermal burn, acid ocular trauma was (97±54), (107±41), and (45±22) versus (206±32) µV, respectively; compared with healthy eyes, the differences were statistically significant (F=25.03; q=7.36， 5.13， 5.96； all P<0.01).There was no significant difference in FERG between patients with visual acuity≥0.2 and those with visual acuity<0.2 (P>0.05) after alkaline ocular trauma. Conclusions: By detecting the amplitude change of FERG wave form of chemical ocular trauma, in this study, the amplitude of FERG wave form in alkaline ocular trauma was generally decreased. It's suggested that alkaline ocular trauma can cause damage to the rod and cone systems of retinal. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 514-518).

[Clinical effects of vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of alkali burn wounds].

Objective: To preliminarily observe the clinical effects of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the treatment of alkali burn wounds. Methods: From June 2016 to March 2020, 60 male patients with alkali burns who met the inclusion criteria and hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University were recruited in this prospectively randomized control study. According to the random number table, silver sulfadiazine group and VSD group were both allocated with 30 patients, aged (36±8) and (35±10) years respectively; with total burn area of (7.2±2.0) % and (8.5±3.0) % total body surface area respectively. After admission, patients in silver sulfadiazine group were treated with conventional silver sulfadiazine dressing change once a day after debridement; patients in VSD group were given continuous VSD treatment after debridement, with the negative pressure setting at -10.67 kPa, and the negative pressure materials were replaced every 6 to 8 days. On treatment day 1, 4, and 7, the exudate from the wounds of patients in silver sulfadiazine group and the wound drainage fluid of patients in VSD group were collected, the pH value was measured by a portable pH meter, and the volume of exudate/drainage fluid was measured. After 7, 14, and 21 days of treatment, the wound healing rates of patients were calculated in the two groups. Before treatment and 7 days after treatment, venous blood was collected from the patients in the two groups to detect the serum level of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 8 (IL-8). Within treatment day 14, Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess the pain score of patients in the two groups during each time of dressing change. The medical costs and discharge satisfaction scores of patients in the two groups were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) On treatment day 1, 4, and 7, the pH values of the drainage fluid of patients in VSD group were 9.75±0.59, 9.01±0.46, and 8.13±0.28, respectively, which were significantly higher than 9.35±0.62, 8.18±0.18, and 7.58±0.09 of exudate of patients in silver sulfadiazine group (t=2.03, 6.80, 7.56, P<0.05 or P<0.01). On treatment day 1 and 4, the volumes of drainage fluid of patients in VSD group were (553±83) and (239±65) mL respectively, which were significantly higher than (440±77) and (175±49) mL of exudate of patients in silver sulfadiazine group (t=3.44, 2.24, P<0.05). On treatment day 7, the volume of drainage fluid of patients in VSD group was (21±8) mL, which was significantly lower than (149±44) mL of exudate of patients in silver sulfadiazine group (t=-12.61, P<0.01). (2) After 7, 14, and 21 days of treatment, the wound healing rates of patients in VSD group were (39±6) %, (74±10) %, and (92±3) %, respectively, which were significantly higher than (25±3) %, (59±6) %, and (77±6) % in silver sulfadiazine group (t=7.07, 5.59, 7.09, P<0.01). (3) Before treatment, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-8 of patients in the two groups were similar. After 7 days of treatment, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-8 of patients in VSD group were significantly lower than those in silver sulfadiazine group (t=-8.75, -8.04, P<0.01). (4) The pain score during dressing change and medical cost of patients in VSD group were significantly lower than those in silver sulfadiazine group (t=-4.28, -7.56, P<0.01), while the discharge satisfaction score of patients in VSD group was significantly higher than that in silver sulfadiazine group (t=10.91, P<0.05). Conclusions: The application of VSD technology in clinical alkali burn wounds can effectively promote the removal of residual lye, alleviate the further damage of lye to skin tissue, shorten the wound healing time, effectively remove inflammatory mediators, reduce the pain of dressing change, decrease the total cost of treatment, and enhance satisfaction of patient.

[One patient with severe phenol burn complicated with acute poisoning].

On April 26, 2018, a 55-year-old male patient with severe phenol burn complicated with acute poisoning was admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The patient quickly developed the symptoms of central nervous system including blurred consciousness and restlessness, anuria, and respiratory failure. After self-rescue before admission and a series of measures in hospital including wound decontamination to reduce phenol absorption, rapid massive infusion and hemodialysis+ hemoperfusion, continuous renal replacement therapy for speeding up phenol excretion and organ function maintenance, the poisoning symptoms were effectively alleviated, and the patient was finally rescued successfully and discharged on post injury day 29. This case suggests that early hemodialysis combined with hemoperfusion and continuous renal replacement therapy are effective methods for treating severe phenol burn complicated with acute poisoning.

Closure of a full-thickness scalp burn that occurred during hair coloring using a simple skin-stretching method: A case report and review of the literature.

Full-thickness scalp burns secondary to hair coloring are rare; however, such defects can be large and complex reconstruction of hair-bearing tissue may be necessary. Many skin-stretching devices that use gradual traction have been applied to take advantage of the viscoelastic properties of the skin. A 21-year-old female patient was seen with a burn defect on her occipital scalp leading to exposed subcutaneous tissue after chemical application of hair coloring in a salon. The dimensions of the wound were 10 cm×5 cm, and a skin graft or flap would have been necessary to close the defect. Two long transfixing K-wires (1.4 mm) and paired 3-wire threads (23 gauge), which are readily available in most hospitals, were applied over a period of 12 days for trichophytic closure of the defect. The remaining scalp scars after primary trichophytic closure with this skin-stretching method were refined with hair follicle transplantation. This skin-stretching method is simple to apply and valuable for helping to close problematic areas of skin shortage that would otherwise require more complicated procedures. This case shows a relatively unknown complication of hair coloring and its treatment.

Closure of a full-thickness scalp burn that occurred during hair coloring using a simple skin-stretching method: A case report and review of the literature

Full-thickness scalp burns secondary to hair coloring are rare; however, such defects can be large and complex reconstruction of hair-bearing tissue may be necessary. Many skin-stretching devices that use gradual traction have been applied to take advantage of the viscoelastic properties of the skin. A 21-year-old female patient was seen with a burn defect on her occipital scalp leading to exposed subcutaneous tissue after chemical application of hair coloring in a salon. The dimensions of the wound were 10 cm×5 cm, and a skin graft or flap would have been necessary to close the defect. Two long transfixing K-wires (1.4 mm) and paired 3-wire threads (23 gauge), which are readily available in most hospitals, were applied over a period of 12 days for trichophytic closure of the defect. The remaining scalp scars after primary trichophytic closure with this skin-stretching method were refined with hair follicle transplantation. This skin-stretching method is simple to apply and valuable for helping to close problematic areas of skin shortage that would otherwise require more complicated procedures. This case shows a relatively unknown complication of hair coloring and its treatment.

[How to improve the prevention and treatment of ocular chemical burns in China: important elements].

Ocular chemical burns are common and serious ocular emergencies which require immediate and intensive evaluation and treatment. Loss of vision and disfigurement affect the victims, bringing great sufferings to themselves and their families. China is the biggest developing country in the world with a large number of such cases. The prevention of ocular chemical burns is emphasized in different aspects. After emergency treatment, proper care of chemical burns is started by control of inflammation with corticosteroids. Topical and systemic ascorbic acid supplement is important. Re-epithelialization is critical to stabilize the ocular surface and to prevent corneal ulceration and melting. The goal of treatment is mainly to restore the ocular structure and function. Neuroprotection is important during the treatment course for control of both glaucoma and inflammation. Prognosis depends on the degree of limbal, corneal and conjunctival involvement at the time of injury as well as the management. Medical treatments only or with combination of surgical procedures, including amniotic membrane transplantation, epithelial or limbal stem cell transplantation, tenonplasty, keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis, are according to the classification of ocular chemical burns and the phases. Further investigations should be done in the future in both prevention and management of ocular chemical burns in China. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 401-405).

Long-term outcomes with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis in ocular burns / Resultados a longo prazo com o implante da ceratoprótese de Boston tipo 1 em queimaduras oculares

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of Boston type I keratoprosthesis (B-Kpro) in the management of patients with ocular burn injuries. Methods: This prospective study included all patients with ocular burns who underwent B-Kpro implantation at a tertiary eye care center between February 2008 and November 2015. Twelve patients (12 eyes) were enrolled. The procedures performed for managing ocular injury were identified, and information on ocular history, surgical procedures performed, and postoperative outcomes was collected. The main outcome measures were visual acuity, prosthesis retention, postoperative complications, and required surgical procedures. Results: Twelve eyes from 12 patients met the inclusion criteria for B-Kpro implantation, including nine eyes with alkali burns and three eyes with thermal burns. A total of 13 B-Kpro devices were implanted in the 12 eyes. The mean follow-up period was 60.8 months (range, 13-91 months). Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity ranged from counting fingers to light perception. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was better than 20/200 in 83.3%, 66.6%, and 57.1% of patients at 12, 48, and 60 months, respectively. The initial keratoprosthesis was retained in 10 (83.3%) eyes and was successfully replaced in one eye. The major cause of worsening of initial visual acuity was advanced glaucoma (four of 12 eyes). Conclusion: The anatomical and functional results support the use of B-Kpro for managing bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to ocular burns. However, glaucoma should be carefully evaluated, as it is a continuous threat that may result in irreversible visual loss in this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados em longo prazo do implante da ceratoprótese de Boston tipo 1 (B-Kpro) no tratamento de pacientes vítima de queimadura ocular. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo envolvendo todos os casos de implante de B-Kpro 1 para queimadura ocular em um centro de oftalmologia terciário durante o período de fevereiro/2008 e novembro/2015. Doze pacientes (doze olhos) foram incluídos no estudo. Os procedimentos realizados para o manejo da queimadura ocular foram identificados, e os dados foram coletados com relação à história oftalmológica do paciente, procedimentos cirúrgicos realizados, e resultados pós-operatórios. Os principais parâmetros avaliados foram acuidade visual, retenção da prótese, complicações pós-ope ratórias e intervenções cirúrgicas necessárias. Resultados: Doze pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão para implante da B-Kpro, incluindo 09 olhos vítimas de queimadura por álcali e 03 olhos pós queimadura térmica. Um total de 13 B-Kpro tipo 1 foram implantadas em 12 olhos de 12 pacientes. O tempo de seguimento médio foi de 60,8 meses (variando, 13-91 meses). Melhor acuidade visual corrigida pré-operatória variou de conta dedos à percepção luminosa. Melhor acuidade visual corrigida pós-operatória foi melhor que 20/200 em 83,3%, 66,6% e 57,1% dos pacientes em 12 meses, 48 meses e 60 meses, respectivamente. A ceratoprótese inicialmente implantada permaneceu retida em 10 (83,3%) dos olhos e foi re-implantada com sucesso em um olho. A principal causa de piora da acuidade visual inicialmente atingida foi glaucoma avançado (4 de 12 olhos). Conclusão: Os resultados anatômicos e funcionais reportados neste estudo dão suporte ao uso da B-Kpro para o tratamento da deficiência límbica bilateral secundária a queimadura ocular. Glaucoma é o principal fator limitante e pode causar perda visual irreversível nesses pacientes.

[Analysis on clinical characteristics of 316 patients with hydrofluoric acid burns].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns. Methods: Clinical data of 316 patients with HF burns admitted to Zhejiang Quhua Hospital from January 2004 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into non and mild poisoning group (NMP, n=157), moderate poisoning group (MP, n=120), and severe and fatal poisoning group (SFP, n=39) based on the severity of poisoning. Occurrences of hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia of patients within 24 hours after admission were recorded. Values of emergency urinary fluoride of patients on admission were recorded. Values of urinary fluoride of patients admitted to hospital in 4 hours post injury in groups MP and SFP at post injury hour 4, 12, and 24 and on post injury day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were also recorded. Electrocardiographic abnormalities of patients within 24 hours after admission were recorded. Data were processed with chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: (1) Hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia occurred in some patients in each of the three groups, but no patient had hyperkalemia. Taking serum calcium namely total serum calcium as reference, the incidence rate of hypocalcemia of patients in group NMP was close to that in group MP (χ(2)=0.05, P>0.05). The incidence rate of hypocalcemia of patients in group SFP was significantly higher than that in group NMP or group MP (χ(2)=10.53, 7.92, P<0.01). The incidence rates of hypokalemia in the three groups were close (χ(2)=0.63, P>0.05). Taking serum ionized calcium as reference, the incidence ratio of hypocalcemia of patients in group NMP was close to that in group MP (χ(2)=0.01, P>0.05), while there were statistically significant differences in incidence ratio of hypocalcemia of patients between group SFP and each of group NMP and group MP (χ(2)=4.66, 4.47, P<0.05). Taking serum calcium as reference, the incidence rate of hypocalcemia of patients was 7.3% (23/316). Taking serum ionized calcium as reference, the incidence rate of hypocalcemia of patients was 60.0% (42/70), which was significantly higher than that of taking serum calcium as reference (χ(2)=113.74, P<0.01). The incidence rates of hypomagnesemia of patients in groups MP and NMP were close (χ(2)=0.02, P>0.05). The incidence rate of hypomagnesemia of patients in group SFP was significantly higher than that in group NMP or group MP (χ(2)=14.69, 9.94, P<0.01). (2) The urinary fluoride levels were tested in 288 patients, with the value of emergency urinary fluoride of patients on admission 0.2-590.0 mg/L. The values of urinary fluoride of 202 patients were above the normal value. The values of emergency urinary fluoride of patients in groups NMP, MP, and SFP were 2.15 (1.11, 4.30), 5.89 (1.72, 14.25), and 36.0 (13.2, 103.2) mg/L, respectively. The values of emergency urinary fluoride of patients in groups MP and SFP were significantly higher than the value in group NMP (χ(2)=23.28, 66.03, P<0.01). The value of emergency urinary fluoride of patients in group SFP was significantly higher than that in group MP (χ(2)=39.23, P<0.01). The value of urinary fluoride of 33 patients admitted to hospital within 4 hours post injury in groups MP and SFP reached the top at 4 hours post injury and then gradually declined, which returned to normal on about 5 days post injury. The values of urinary fluoride of patients in group SFP at 4, 12, and 24 hours post injury and on 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days post injury were significantly higher than those in group MP (Z=-4.28, -4.15, -3.81, -4.21, -2.48, -2.06, -2.31, -2.68, -3.03, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (3) Twenty-seven patients had electrocardiographic abnormality. There were 12 patients with T wave changes (the most common), 8 patients with ST-T changes, 6 patients with ventricular arrhythmias, 6 patients with conduction block, and 1 patient with broadened QRS waveform. There was no patient with prolonged Q-T interval. The ratios of patients with the above electrocardiographic abnormalities in group SFP were higher than those in group NMP and group MP. Conclusions: Clinical manifestations of patients with HF burn are hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and electrocardiographic abnormality. In addition to routine serum electrolyte and electrocardiogram monitoring, the levels of serum ionized calcium and urinary fluoride can be helpful to evaluate the severity of illness of the patients.

[Analysis on effects of modified dosage of calcium gluconate on patients with hydrofluoric acid burns not in hands or feet].

Objective: To retrospectively explore the effects of modified dosage of calcium gluconate (CG) on the patients with hydrofluoric acid burns not in hands or feet. Methods: One hundred and sixty patients with hydrofluoric acid burns not in hands or feet were hospitalized in our burn ward from January 2004 to December 2017. Based on the dosage of CG at different admission time, 76 patients hospitalized from January 2004 to December 2012 were included in traditional group, and 84 patients hospitalized from January 2013 to December 2017 were included in modified group. For patients in the two groups, subcutaneous injection of CG solution at one time was immediately conducted on admission in topical treatment. In traditional group, the injection was CG solution with mass concentration of 100 g/L. For wounds of superficial partial-thickness and above degree, CG solution was prescribed at the dosage of 50 mg/cm(2). Wounds of superficial-thickness or mass fraction of hydrofluoric acid less than 20.0% did not receive injection. In modified group, the mass concentration of CG solution for injection was diluted with normal saline to 25 g/L. For wounds of deep partial-thickness and above degree, CG solution was prescribed at the dosage of (50×mass fraction of hydrofluoric acid) mg/cm(2). For wounds of superficial partial-thickness, CG solution was prescribed at the dosage of (25×mass fraction of hydrofluoric acid) mg/cm(2). For wounds of superficial-thickness, CG solution was prescribed at the dosage of 2.5 mg/cm(2). For systemic treatment, the injection velocity of CG solution via venous access was adjusted according to the level of serum calcium namely total serum calcium of patients in traditional group. In modified group, serum ionized calcium was additionally detected through automatic blood gas analyzer by the bed to regulate the injection velocity of CG via venous access. The incidence rate of hypercalcemia and mortality of patients after treatment in the two groups, and the situation about treatment of survivors in the two groups were analyzed. Data were processed with chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability test, t test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: (1) After treatment, 9 patients (11.8%) had hypercalcemia, while the other 67 patients (88.2%) did not have hypercalcemia in traditional group. Two patients (2.4%) had hypercalcemia, while the other 82 patients (97.6%) did not have hypercalcemia in modified group. The incidence rate of hypercalcemia of patients in traditional group was significantly higher than that in modified group (χ(2)=5.579, P=0.02). (2) There were two deaths (2.6%) and 74 survivors (97.4%) in traditional group, while there were two deaths (2.4%) and 82 survivors (97.6%) in modified group. The mortalities of patients in the two groups were close (P>0.05). (3) The ratios of eschar excision and skin grafting and hyperplastic scar formation, wound healing time, and ratio of esophageal scar stenosis of survivors in the two groups were close (χ(2)=0.002, 0.054, Z=0.66, P>0.05). Conclusions: Hydrofluoric acid is highly dangerous. The early management of patients with hydrofluoric acid burns emphasizing specialized dosage of CG for treatment can be helpful to reduce incidence of complications and improve the safety of treatment.