PEDIATRICS Vol. 46 No. 3 September 1970, pp. 445-447
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ALCOHOL-INDUCED HYPOGLYCEMIA AND COMA CAUSED BY ALCOHOL SPONGING

Malcolm H. Moss M.D.1

1 Department of Pediatrics, Englewood Hospital, Englewood, New Jersey

The inhalation of ethyl or isopropylalcohol vapor during sponge bathing may result in alcohol intoxication and coma. Ingestion of these alcohols may cause hypoglycemia in children or adults.

The present case is the first reported in which alcohol-induced hypoglycemia developed following inhalation of alcohol.

A six month-old male infant became comatose following sponge bathing with ethyl alcohol. He was found to have acute alcohol intoxication (blood alcohol 220 mg per 100 ml) and severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose 22 mg per 100 ml). The administration of 50% glucose in water intravenously resulted in prompt recovery.

Alcohol sponging to lower elevated temperature is rarely necessary. Cooling with tepid water is effective and considerably less hazardous; the addition of alcohol is not necessary.

Submitted on January 28, 1970
Accepted on February 26, 1970