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[Home environment and acute propylene glycol intoxication in a two-year old. An unusual case report]
Insights
Acute propylene glycol (PG) intoxication is a serious risk for children, even from common products like cleansing towels. Always consider PG toxicity in unexplained metabolic acidosis in pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Propylene glycol (PG) is a common chemical agent found in many pharmaceutical and consumer products.
- Despite its widespread use, PG toxicity, particularly in children, is often underestimated.
- This case highlights the potential dangers of PG exposure in young children.
Observation:
- A previously healthy two-year-old boy presented with lethargy and unresponsiveness.
- Clinical signs included fever, lethargy, and rapid breathing (polypnea).
- Metabolic acidosis and elevated serum PG levels were detected.
Findings:
- The child's condition was diagnosed as acute propylene glycol intoxication.
- Ingestion occurred through chewing disposable cleansing towels.
- This case confirms PG's potential for severe toxicity in toddlers.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should consider environmental PG intoxication in children with unexplained metabolic acidosis.
- Increased awareness of PG's toxicity in pediatric populations is crucial.
- Accurate diagnosis and prompt management are vital for preventing severe outcomes.
Background:
Acute propylene glycol intoxication in a two-year-old toddler underlines the potentially serious toxicity in children of this chemical agent present as a diluent in many drugs and environmental products such as cosmetics, diapers, cleansing towels, despite a common consideration of safety and lack of toxicity.
Case Report:
A two-years-old boy previously healthy was found in the morning by his parents in his cradle, lethargic, responsive only to sharp pain. On admission, vital signs were: temperature 38.5 degrees C, lethargy, polypnea; propylene glycol intoxication through disposable cleansing towels chewing was ascertained by anamnesis and blood urine analyses which revealed metabolic acidosis and serum propylene glycol peak.
Conclusion:
Environmental acute propylene glycol intoxication must be considered and searched for in front of a metabolic acidosis case of unknown origin in children.