Arch Dis Child

Glycerol intoxication syndrome in young children linked to slush ice drinks

March 19, 2025

Study details: This retrospective case review analyzed 21 children (median age, 3 years 6 months) across the UK and Ireland who presented with acute illness after consuming slush ice drinks containing glycerol. The study spanned from 2009 to 2024 with the aim of identifying clinical patterns mimicking inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs).

Results: Most children (93%) became unwell within 60 minutes of consumption. Key symptoms included acute decrease in consciousness (94%), hypoglycemia (95%), metabolic acidosis (94%), pseudohypertriglyceridemia (89%), and hypokalemia (75%). Glyceroluria was detected in all acute urine samples. No underlying IMD was identified in the 14 patients who underwent further testing. Most children (95%) avoided recurrence by not consuming slush ice drinks again.

Clinical impact: Clinicians should be aware of the risk of glycerol intoxication syndrome in children consuming slush ice drinks and consider it in differential diagnoses for acute metabolic presentations.

Source:

Brothwell SL, et al. (2025, March 11). Arch Dis Child. Glycerol intoxication syndrome in young children, following the consumption of slush ice drinks. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40068898/