Abstract
Background
The use of e-liquids is becoming more prevalent. There is a risk that such liquids
may be ingested by mouth rather than being vaped/ inhaled. Due to the high concentration
of drugs such as nicotine in these liquids, there may be toxic, and possibly fatal
consequences.
Case Report
We report the death of a 32-year-old male who ingested nicotine-containing e-liquid
while under the influence of alcohol. A serum sample taken 24 h after collapse contained
nicotine at a concentration of 1600 ng/mL of nicotine.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?
Death secondary to e-liquid ingestion is still very rare, but has the potential for
causing deaths due to the easy access of such liquids to the general public. Such
toxicity should be considered in individuals who present in the early phases with
symptoms of stimulant toxicity, but also in the latter phase where there may be autonomic
depressive effects.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 05, 2017
Accepted:
June 28,
2017
Received in revised form:
April 28,
2017
Received:
January 5,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
