Neonatal acute ethanol intoxication during the epidemic of COVID-19: a case report

Abstract

Background: After the outbreak of COVID-19, many families equip with 75% ethanol to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2, which increases the risk of exposure to ethanol. Case presentation: We reported a 25-day-old newborn who was diagnosed with neonatal acute ethanol intoxication with a presenting complaint of accidental consumption about 15 ml formula milk containing 75% ethanol. His main clinical manifestations were irritability, flushed skin, tachycardia, tachypnea, and toxicology analysis detected ethanol. After timely gastric lavage and intravenous fluid replacement, he was cured and discharged. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 epidemic, high concentration ethanol used for inactivating SARS-COV-2 should be placed reasonably and neonatal feeding safety should be emphasized. Timely diagnosis and symptomatic treatment are essential for the prevention and management of acute ethanol intoxication in newborns.