Refinement of Continuous Intra-Arterial Infusion Therapy to Hydrofluoric Acid Dermal Burns

Twenty patients suffering from HF dermal burns in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital from January 1997 to December 2004 were investigated in order to further identify the efficiency of continuous intra-arterial calcium gluconate infusion. The infusion dose of calcium gluconate, the set-up of this technique, the necessity of adjuvant procedure such as nail removal or de-roofing of bullae, and the decrease of the technique-related complications are also discussed. A total of 51 fingers in twenty patients were all salvaged without major complications. Furthermore cosmetic appearance and hand function were maintained. In conclusion, the feasibility of applying this technique in any concentration of HF injury can be considered and advocated universally in order to salvage more digits from HF dermal burns.