Neurotoxicity of Hexachlorophene in Humans

Abstract

To assess neurotoxic effects of hexachlorophene in the human population previously shown to be most at risk, a blind clinicopathological analysis was made of all premature infants under 1,400 gm birth weight who survived at least four days and were examined by autopsy over a 7.5-year period. Repeated whole-body bathing of premature newborn infants in 3% hexachlorophene-bearing soap (undiluted pHisoHex) shows a significant statistical association with a vacuolar encephalopathy of the brain stem reticular formation. The prevalence of the vacuolar encephalopathy in premature infants on whom we have adequate brain stem histological information appears to be related to the number of exposures to hexachlorophene, the concentration of hexachlorophene, the thoroughness of rinsing, and other factors (including exposure to ultraviolet light).

Role of Environmental Contaminants in the Etiology of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review

“…Studies on sheep supported the finding that HCP causes changes in brain metabolism [ 154 ]. Since the use of HCP was prevalent prior to 1973, studies using premature infant brains and follow-up work in children showed vacuolar encephalopathy after intensive exposures of prematurely and newly born infants [ 155 , 156 ] from repeated whole body bathing using formulations containing 3% HCP. In part due to limited epidemiological studies and data, researchers thus far have been unable to establish whether HCP and structurally related antimicrobials may play a role in the induction and pathology of AD or AD-like symptoms.…”

Myelin

“…Hexachlorophene, as contained in an antiseptic detergent (pHisoHex), has recently been proven to cause extensive vacuolation of myelin in humans of any age exposed through abnormal skin (Kimbrough, 1971) and premature human infants exposed through normal skin (Shuman et al, 1975). The lesions in premature infants appeared after bathing in undiluted pHisoHex which contained 3% hexachlorophene.…”