[The influence of different concentrations of hydrofluoric acid on blood calcium level in rats].

Objective: To evaluate the effects of different concentration of hydrofluoric acid (HF) on local skin and calcium level of serum.

Methods: SD rats were divided into two groups which were wounded by 20% and 40% percent of HF respectively. Samples of blood and wound tissue were harvested at different postburn time for the analysis of the calcium level of the serum and histological study.

Results: It was found that twenty percent of HF was enough to cause a skin damage, and might bring about fatal hypocalcemia after a prolonged contact. High concentration of HF (40%) could cause deep tissue necrosis within a short time, and result in a fatal hypocalcemia within 24 hour even in the case of a small area injury.

Conclusion: It is important to treat the patient with HF injury as early as possible. Sufficient calcium must be applied guided by laboratory study in order to prevent the fatal hypocalcemia.