J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2005 Oct;16(5):595-599.

Glue Sniffing Presenting with Severe Hypokalemia and Metabolic Acidosis: A Case Report

• Park SH
• Choi HJ
• Chun SM
• Ha NR
• Park SL
• Kim GH
• Im TH

Abstract

Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon found in glues, cements, and solvents. Chronic or acute exposure is known to cause acid-base and electrolyte disorders and to be toxic to both the nervous system and the hematopoietic system. The three major clinical presentations involve neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal, and muscular disorders, whereas toluene intoxication is difficult to diagnose without a history of substance abuse, such as glue sniffing. We report the case of a 27-year-old women who presented with the three major clinical manifestations associated with profound hypokalemia (K+=1 mEq/L) and metabolic acidosis (pH=7.17) after prolonged glue sniffing. To make an early diagnosis, the emergency physician should consider toluene intoxication in patients presenting with altered mental status, hypokalemic muscular paralysis, and a history of glue sniffing.

Keyword

Toluene; Metabolic acidosis; Hypokalemia

MeSH Terms

Acidosis*
Adhesives*
Adult
Early Diagnosis
Emergencies
Female
Hematopoietic System
Humans
Hypokalemia*
Inhalant Abuse*
Nervous System
Paralysis
Solvents
Substance-Related Disorders
Toluene
Adhesives
Solvents
Toluene