Acute acetone intoxication in a pediatric patient

The widespread presence of fingernail polish remover in the home makes the product a common source of ingestion, as evidenced by recent poison center data. Its principal component, acetone, is present in relatively high concentration. The syndrome of acetone intoxication presents as generalized central nervous system/respiratory depression, hyperglycemia, and ketosis. Despite its ubiquitous presence and high potential for severe intoxication, no reports are found describing the toxicity and supportive care following its ingestion by children. The authors present a 30-month-old patient with severe acetone intoxication secondary to fingernail polish remover ingestion. Also noted is the need to include acetone ingestion in the differential diagnosis of apparent diabetic ketoacidosis.