Cardiac arrest following hydrogen peroxide irrigation of a breast wound.

Beattie, C; Harry, L E; Hamilton, S A; Burke, D · J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · 2010

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used for the decontamination of wounds. We report a case of a probable venous oxygen embolism resulting in cardiovascular collapse following irrigation of a necrotic breast wound with hydrogen peroxide. We discuss the differential diagnosis, mechanism of oxygen embolism and question the relative advantages versus disadvantages of using hydrogen peroxide for wound decontamination.

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