Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a case report of a patient who survived a lethal dose of self-injected e-liquid, which is used in electronic cigarettes. The text provides an in-depth analysis of the patient's symptoms and the pharmacodynamics and kinetic effects of the two main substances found in e-liquid, nicotine and propylene glycol.
Key Points:
* The patient injected himself with 10 mL of e-liquid containing 1000 mg of nicotine diluted in propylene glycol.
* The patient experienced an agitation phase followed by coma and bradypnoea requiring mechanical ventilation.
* The patient developed a transitory neurological impairment due to nicotinic syndrome.
* The arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis confirmed uncompensated lactic acidosis with an elevated anion gap, which is an expected effect of propylene glycol.
* The toxicology screen indicated the presence of nicotine and cotinine in the blood and excluded the presence of concomitant intoxication.
* The patient recovered without sequelae.
* This case highlights the potential dangers of e-liquid injection and the importance of understanding the pharmacodynamics and kinetic effects of nicotine and propylene glycol.
Main Message:
This case report highlights the potential dangers of e-liquid injection and the importance of understanding the pharmacodynamics and kinetic effects of nicotine and propylene glycol. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of the symptoms and management of e-liquid intoxication, as the number of reported intoxications has significantly increased worldwide. This case may also help increase the comprehension of the two main substances, nicotine and propylene glycol, in the context of e-liquid intoxication.
Citation
Belkoniene, Mhedi, Jennifer Socquet, Denise Njemba-Freiburghaus, and Cyril Pellaton. “Near Fatal Intoxication by Nicotine and Propylene Glycol Injection: A Case Report of an e-Liquid Poisoning.” BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology 20, no. 1 (December 2019): 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-019-0296-8.
