Toxic polyneuropathy due to glue sniffing

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Glue-sniffing is an illicit practice involving the inhalation of volatile substances.
• Adhesives commonly contain n-hexane and toluene, known neurotoxicants.
• Toxic polyneuropathy is a debilitating condition affecting peripheral nerves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and analyze cases of toxic polyneuropathy linked to glue-sniffing.
• To identify the specific chemical agents responsible for the observed neuropathy.
• To understand the neurological manifestations of inhalant abuse.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of four individuals presenting with neurological symptoms.
• Clinical neurological examinations were performed.
• The composition of the inhaled adhesive agents was inferred based on common industrial formulations.

Main Results:

• All four patients exhibited motor-predominant mixed-type polyneuropathy.
• The symptoms were attributed to the inhalation of n-hexane and toluene from adhesive vapors.
• N-hexane was identified as the principal neurotoxic agent, with toluene potentially playing a secondary role.

Conclusions:

• Inhalant abuse, specifically glue-sniffing, poses a significant risk of developing toxic polyneuropathy.
• N-hexane is the primary causative agent in glue-sniffing-induced polyneuropathy.
• Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing this condition.