Intravenous regional calcium gluconate for hydrofluoric acid burns of the digits

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe an alternative, simple and effective treatment of digital burns from hydrofluoric acid. Clinical features: Two patients are described with typical presentations from digital exposure to hydrofluoric acid. In both cases topical treatment with calcium gluconate gel was unsuccessful in relieving symptoms. Intervention and outcome: Both patients were successfully treated with intravenous regional calcium gluconate based on a Bier's block technique. Conclusion: Digital burns from hydrofluoric acid resistant to treatment with calcium gluconate gel may be successfully treated with this technique, without the need for removal of finger nails or the complicated, protracted technique of intra‐arterial calcium infusions.