Butane encephalopathy.
Volatile solvent abuse (VSA) is defined at the "intentional inhalation of a volatile substance for the purpose of achieving a euphoric state". The lifetime prevalence of VSA in the UK remains steady at around 15%, the fourth highest rate in Europe, and VSA is the most common form of drug abuse in the 11-15 year age group in England and Wales. A 13 year old girl presented to the accident and emergency unit following inhalation of butane based deodorant, which resulted in a prolonged semiconscious state with encephalopathic symptoms.
Harris
D
D
Department of A&E Medicine, West Middlesex Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 6AF, UK. drdanharris@msn.com
Mirza
Z
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002073:Butanes / Q000506:poisoning*; D003836:Deodorants / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology; D012997:Solvents / Q000506:poisoning*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis
D002073:Butanes; D003836:Deodorants; D012997:Solvents; C046888:butane