Marked hypocalcemia and ventricular fibrillation in two pediatric patients exposed to a fluoride-containing wheel cleaner

Ann Emerg Med. 1996 Dec;28(6):713-8. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(96)70097-5.

Abstract

In two separate cases, pediatric patients exposed to Armor-All Quicksilver Wheel Cleaner exhibited systemic toxicity including mental status changes, marked hypocalcemia, and ventricular fibrillation. One child also demonstrated profound hypomagnesemia. These are the first pediatric reports of near-fatal outcomes after ingestion or inhalation of a hydrofluoric acid-like product, namely, ammonium bifluoride.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ammonium Compounds
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Fluorides / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Hydrofluoric Acid / poisoning*
  • Hypocalcemia / blood
  • Hypocalcemia / chemically induced*
  • Magnesium Deficiency / blood
  • Magnesium Deficiency / chemically induced
  • Male
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / chemically induced

Substances

  • Ammonium Compounds
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • ammonium fluoride
  • Fluorides
  • Hydrofluoric Acid