Hypoglycemia and Ketosis in the Setting of Pediatric Ethanol Intoxication: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute alcohol intoxication is a common presentation to emergency departments. The intoxication of young pediatric patients is extremely rare. We present a case of a two-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with altered mentation, incontinence, and hypoglycemia. Over the next two days, the patient was treated with fluid replacement, and her hypoglycemia was managed. She was then discharged with no complications. While infant ethanol intoxication has a relatively low mortality rate, it can still be potentially fatal due to complications. Few studies have examined the morbidity associated with these presentations. This case demonstrates the importance of prompt identification and management to avoid a catastrophic outcome. Further research on the enzyme kinetics and long-term effects of early ethanol exposure resulting in hypoglycemia and ketosis is warranted.