Gasping syndrome

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Gasping syndrome is a life-threatening condition characterized by multi-system failure, death and other symptoms resulting from benzyl alcohol poisoning. [1] [2]

Contents

Symptoms

The symptoms caused by benzyl alcohol exposure include respiratory failure, hypotension, renal failure, severe metabolic acidosis, hematologic abnormalities, convulsions, paralysis gradual neurologic deterioration, cardiovascular collapse, sudden onset of gasping respiration, skin changes and vasodilation. [3]

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References

  1. Carl R. Baum (2008), "Examples of mass exposures involving the pediatric population", in Jerrold B. Leikin; Frank P. Paloucek (eds.), Poisoning and Toxicology Handbook (4th ed.), Informa, p. 726.
  2. Juan Gershanik; et al. (1982), "The gasping syndrome and benzyl alcohol poisoning", N Engl J Med , 307 (22): 1384–8, doi:10.1056/nejm198211253072206, PMID   7133084 .
  3. "Neonatal Deaths Associated With Use Of Benzyl Alcohol -- United States". CDC.