The Gasping Syndrome and Benzyl Alcohol Poisoning

Abstract

Benzyl alcohol is commonly used as an antibacterial agent in a variety of formulations, including bacteriostatic sodium chloride and bacteriostatic water, that are intended for intravenous administration. Although benzyl alcohol toxicity has been recognized, the concentration that is necessary for antibacterial action appears to be much lower than the concentration that would be dangerous to adults.1 , 2 Little, if anything, is known about the possible toxic effects of benzyl alcohol in neonates.Ten premature infants in our neonatal intensivecare unit developed similar clinical syndromes characterized by the deterioration of multiple organ systems and eventual death, which we believe were the result . . .