Accidental isopropanol ingestion in children

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Published on: August 5, 2017

E Stremski1, H Hennes

  • 1Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA. ernest@mcw.edu

Pediatric Emergency Care
|August 31, 2000
PubMed

Insights

A 2-hour observation period is sufficient to rule out isopropanol toxicity in children after ingestion. Ingesting over 1 ounce increases the risk of adverse effects, with altered mental status predicting toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) ingestion is a common concern in pediatric emergency departments.
  • Understanding the clinical course and necessary observation times is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the clinical presentation of isopropanol ingestion in children.
  • To establish the minimum observation period needed to exclude toxicity after ingestion.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of emergency department records for children (<6 years) with isopropanol ingestion (June 1992-December 1998).
  • Data collected included demographics, ingestion details, symptoms, and laboratory results.
  • Patients were categorized based on whether isopropanol levels were assayed.

Main Results:

  • 91 cases were identified; 26% showed clinical toxicity.
  • Symptoms included emesis, ataxia, altered mental status, and apnea.
  • Ingestion of >1 ounce correlated with increased risk of symptoms (RR 4.26).
  • Altered mental status predicted toxic isopropanol levels.

Conclusions:

  • A 2-hour post-ingestion observation period is adequate to rule out clinical toxicity in pediatric cases.
  • Altered mental status is a key indicator of potential isopropanol toxicity.
  • Higher ingestion volumes (>1 ounce) warrant closer monitoring for adverse effects.
Abstract

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