Effects of tap water on esophageal burns in dogs from button lithium batteries
Tanaka, J.; Yamashita, M.; Yamashita, M.; Kajigaya, H.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 41(5): 279-282
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 10509426 Document Number: 501769
It was hypothesized that a bolus fresh water wash out or dilution of the alkali produced by the direct current flow, and/or inhibition of the alkali production by interrupting the direct current flow, might lessen the severity of the necrotic injury at a contact oesophageal site with a lithium button battery. Model CR2032 lithium batteries were fixed in the oesophagus of 21 adult mongrel dogs for 15, 30, 60 or 90 min. In 9 of the dogs serial 20 ml boluses of tap water (adjusted pH at 7.0 by bicarbonate) were administered at 15-min intervals after placement of the battery. The oesophageal injuries were graded microscopically according to the depth of the necrosis. The consumed electricity of the batteries was also evaluated. Serial bolus administration of water reduced the consumed electricity of the batteries significantly 30 and 60 min after fixation and delayed the corrosive change in a contact oesophageal area during the first 30 min. Dosing with tap water as soon as possible within 30 min after ingestion seemed a useful first aid measure to prevent oesophageal injury after accidental swallowing of a lithium battery.