J Formos Med Assoc
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Review Case Reports
Hypoglycemia following ethanol ingestion in children: report of a case.
Ethanol is present in a large number of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents and beverages. Without adequate safety measures, the accidental ingestion of such products by children is possible. Ethanol ingestion by children is known to cause various metabolic and neurologic disorders, including hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, seizures or coma. ⋯ Prompt recognition and treatment with intravenous glucose are essential and may be life-saving. Pediatricians need to be aware of the devastating impact of ethanol. Preventive measures, such as child-proof packaging and parent education, are required if ethanol intoxication in children is to be avoided.