Management of phenol burn cases combined with poisoning

Abstract

To explore the therapeutic processing and nursing for phenol burn patients combined with poisoning. The clinical data of 42 phenol burn cases admitted in our hospital from 1998 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The general clinical manifestations, treatment and nursing methods, and the treatment results of these cases were analysed. Out of 42 phenol burns patients, the total burn surface area (TBSA) of 22 cases were ≤ 5%, 10 cases' TBSA were 6% ∼ 10%, and 5 cases' > 20%. 36 patients showed systemic poisoning symptoms 1 ∼ 2 hours after injury, the severity and enduring period of which correlated with TBSA. Patients whose TBSA > 10% appeared obviously dysfunction of the liver and kidney. The therapeutic methods included wound management, compensation of fluid, diuresis, alkalized urine, large dose of vitamin C and glucocorticoid, early surgery, blood purification, etc. 39 of 42 cases were successful cured, while the other 3 cases died. Phenol burn often complicates systemic poisoning. In the treatment of patients with this special chemical burn, it is key scheme to block phenol absorption and promote elimination of already absorbed poison as early as possible. The comprehensive management and nursing should be necessary for supporting functions of important organs.