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A Case Report of Toxicity from Ingestion of a Hospital Antiseptic Solution Containing 1-Propanol and 2-Propanol

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Abstract

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased risk of exposure to 1-propanol has led the United States Food and Drug Administration to issue a warning about toxicity of 1-propanol-contaminated brands of hand sanitizers. We report a mixed intoxication with 1-propanol and 2-propanol in a patient who unintentionally ingested approximately 300 mL of hospital topical antiseptic solution and who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and decreased level of consciousness. The patient developed an anion gap metabolic acidosis without an osmolar gap, elevated serum lactate, and undetectable serum beta-hydroxybutyrate. One hour later, he developed chest pain and was found to have an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The patient underwent urgent coronary  angiography and stenting of the totally occluded mid-segment of the Left Anterior Descending coronary artery. The patient recovered and was discharged home after 7 days.

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