Use of hemodialysis after ingestion of a mixture of acids containing hydrofluoric acid

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a highly toxic poison that can be rapidly fatal. Death usually results from the many systemic effects of dissociated fluoride ions, including hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, and direct cardiotoxicity. A patient is described who accidentally ingested a hydrofluoric acid-containing substance and who likely benefited from hemodialysis. His fluoride level post-dialysis was reduced by approximately 70% from a level drawn three hours prior to the initiation of hemodialysis. However., the single treatment did not reduce the fluoride level to normal. A review of the pathophysiology of hydrofluoric acid intoxication and the outcomes of prior exposures suggests that hemodialysis could play a vital role in the management of poisonings with fluoride-containing substances. However, the initial hernodialysis treatment should be prolonged beyond the standard four-hour session.