Marked Hypocalcemia and Ventricular Fibrillation in Two Pediatric Patients Exposed to a Fluoride-Containing Wheel Cleaner

Byline: Ann E Klasner, Anthony J Scalzo, Carolyn Blume, Paul Johnson, Michael W Thompson Abstract: In two separate cases, pediatric patients exposed to Armor-All Quicksilver Wheel Cleaner exhibited systemic toxicity including mental status changes, marked hypocalcemia, and ventricular fibrillation. One child also demonstrated profound hypomagnesemia. These are the first pediatric reports of near-fatal outcomes after ingestion or inhalation of a hydrofluoric acid-like product, namely, ammonium bifluoride. [Klasner AE, Scalzo AJ, Blume C, Johnson P, Thompson MW: Marked hypocalcemia and ventricular fibrillation in two pediatric patients exposed to a fluoride-containing wheel cleaner. Ann Emerg Med December 1996;28:713-718.] Article Note: (footnote) [star] Address for reprints:, Anthony J Scalzo, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Toxicology and Emergency Medicine, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, 1465 South Grand Boulevard, St Louis, Missouri 63104, 314-577-5360 Fax 314-577-5355, [star][star] Reprint no. 47/1/78347