Eurasian Journal of Toxicology

Yazarlar: Cesareddin DİKMETAŞ, Serkan DOĞAN, Utku Murat KALAFAT, Rabia Birsen TAPKAN, Melis DORTER, Busra BİLDİK, Başar CANDER

Konular:Acil Tıp

Anahtar Kelimeler:Ethylene oxide,Intoxication,Sterilization

Özet: Ethylene oxide is a colorless, inflammable, explosive and toxic gas with a slight odor which is slightly heavier than air.  Ethylene oxide has been discovered in 1859; bacteriocyte  characteristics was discovered in World War 2. Ethylene oxide has been used for sterilization since 1960 (1). It is also used for sterilization of the materials in healthcare sector and for sterilization purposes in pharmaceutical sector etc. Eight patients including 7 females and 1 male referred to our emergency clinic after ethylene oxide gas leak in sterilization unit of a company. Age average of the patients was 28 (min: 19, max:53) years. Inspection of the patients in the emergency service was nonspecific. Blood analyses of the patients were also nonspecific. The patients were discharged from emergency service by their own request while they were treated in the emergency service. Three patients then referred because of nausea and vomiting 3 days after. Blood analyses performed again were also nonspecific. Physiological saline was administrated for hydration and 4 mg of ondanstarone was administrated; the patients were discharged upon recovery of the complaints. The aim of the present study was to present monitoring and treatment of possible intoxication by ethylene oxide which is commonly used in sterilization units. 

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