Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
4487506 
Journal Article 
The management of white phosphorus burns 
Chou, TD; Lee, TW; Chen, SL; Tung, YM; Dai, NT; Chen, SG; Lee, CH; Chen, TM; Wang, HJ 
2001 
Yes 
Burns
ISSN: 0305-4179 
ELSEVIER SCI LTD 
Netherlands 
27 
5 (August 2001) 
492-497 
English 
11451604 
WOS:000170094700014 
Phosphorus burns are a rarely encountered chemical burn, typically occurring in battle, industrial accidents, or from fireworks. Death may result even with minimal burn areas. Early recognition of affected areas and adequate resuscitation is crucial. Amongst our 2765 admissions between 1984 and 1998, 326 patients had chemical burns. Seven admissions were the result of phosphorus burns. Our treatment protocol comprises 1% copper sulfate solution for neutralization and identification of phosphorus particles, copious normal saline irrigation, keeping wounds moist with saline-soaked thick pads even during transportation, prompt debridement of affected areas, porcine skin coverage or skin grafts for acute wound management, as well as intensive monitoring of electrolytes and cardiac function in our burns center. Intravenous calcium gluconate is mandatory for correction of hypocalcemia. Of the seven, one patient died from inhalation injury and the others were scheduled for sequential surgical procedures for functional and cosmetic recovery. Cooling affected areas with tap water or normal saline, prompt removal of phosphorus particles with mechanical debridement, intensive monitoring, and maintenance of electrolyte balance are critical steps in initial management. Fluid resuscitation can be adjusted according to urine output. Early excision and skin autografts summarize our phosphorus burn treatment protocol. 
Index Medicus 
OPPT
• Gluconates
     Literature Search
          Human Health
               WOS (private)
          Fate
               WOS (private)