Biomaterial Database

Gas embolism produced by hydrogen peroxide abscess irrigation in an infant. 1999

C Schwab, and K Dilworth

Department of Anaesthesia, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, Western Australia.

The production of gaseous oxygen when hydrogen peroxide interacts with tissue is a well-known phenomenon that has been reported as a rare cause of gas embolism. We present the case of an 11-month-old infant who sustained an immediate cardiorespiratory arrest following the use of this agent during a minor surgical procedure. Clinical features, radiological findings and the rapid response to resuscitation were strongly suggestive of major gas embolism. Adverse effects of inappropriate use of hydrogen peroxide, and the diagnosis and management of these problems are discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007223	Infant	A child between 1 and 23 months of age.	Infants
D007507	Therapeutic Irrigation	The washing of a body cavity or surface by flowing water or solution for therapy or diagnosis.	Douching,Lavage,Douchings,Irrigation, Therapeutic,Irrigations, Therapeutic,Lavages,Therapeutic Irrigations
D002081	Buttocks	Either of two fleshy protuberances at the lower posterior section of the trunk or HIP in humans and primate on which a person or animal sits, consisting of gluteal MUSCLES and fat.	Gluteal Region,Buttock,Gluteal Regions,Region, Gluteal,Regions, Gluteal
D004618	Embolism, Air	Blocking of a blood vessel by air bubbles that enter the circulatory system, usually after TRAUMA; surgical procedures, or changes in atmospheric pressure.	Air Embolism,Embolism, Gas,Air Embolisms,Embolisms, Air,Embolisms, Gas,Gas Embolism,Gas Embolisms
D005260	Female		Females
D006323	Heart Arrest	Cessation of heart beat or MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTION. If it is treated within a few minutes, heart arrest can be reversed in most cases to normal cardiac rhythm and effective circulation.	Asystole,Cardiac Arrest,Cardiopulmonary Arrest,Arrest, Cardiac,Arrest, Cardiopulmonary,Arrest, Heart,Asystoles
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006861	Hydrogen Peroxide	A strong oxidizing agent used in aqueous solution as a ripening agent, bleach, and topical anti-infective. It is relatively unstable and solutions deteriorate over time unless stabilized by the addition of acetanilide or similar organic materials.	Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2),Hydroperoxide,Oxydol,Perhydrol,Superoxol,Peroxide, Hydrogen
D000038	Abscess	Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection.	Abscesses
D016887	Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation	The artificial substitution of heart and lung action as indicated for HEART ARREST resulting from electric shock, DROWNING, respiratory arrest, or other causes. The two major components of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are artificial ventilation (RESPIRATION, ARTIFICIAL) and closed-chest CARDIAC MASSAGE.	Basic Cardiac Life Support,CPR,Code Blue,Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation,Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation,Life Support, Basic Cardiac,Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation,Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation,Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitations,Resuscitation, Cardio-Pulmonary,Resuscitation, Cardiopulmonary,Resuscitation, Mouth-to-Mouth,Resuscitations, Mouth-to-Mouth