Acute poisoning with antiseptic of external application containing chlorohexidine in the case of accidental intravenous administration causing serious harm to health

Abstract

The article presents a case of expert evaluation of poisoning with chlorohexidine in the case of intravenous administration to a maternity woman who entered the maternity department for a planned cesarean section, contrary to the instructions for the use of this antiseptic, intended only for external or cavity application. The toxic effect of chlorohexidine began with thoracic discomfort, shortness of breath, then deep hypoxic phenomena in the form of diffuse cyanosis of the skin, facial pastoralism, respiratory disorders requiring ventilation, acute decrease of oxygen saturation in the blood up to 77% with further decrease to 60%, a pattern of pronounced hemorrhagic edema in the lungs, occurred when consciousness was absent. The consequences of poisoning are assessed as life-threatening from the forensic medical position, and uterus removal to prevent a heavy atonic hemorrhage is considered as loss of the organ. These features are characterized as causing serious harm to health. The legal evaluation of the health workers' actions is the prerogative of the juridical investigative authorities.