Propylene glycol (PG) is usually considered safe, however, toxicity can develop with high doses or when used for prolonged periods of time. PG can be found in some medications as well as some food products. We report a case of likely PG toxicity that occurred after compulsive daily ingestion of large amounts of corn starch.

Our patient initially presented to an outside hospital (OSH) via ambulance for altered mental status. Her mental status improved after her blood sugar of 25 was corrected. On admission to OSH Emergency Department her initial vital signs included a heart rate of 115 bpm, blood pressure 113/59 mm/hg, temperature 35.8C. Pertinent labs included: sodium 119 mEq/L, bicarbonate 9 mEq/L, anion gap 29 mEq/L, creatinine 2.5 mg/dL and lactic acid 20 mEq/L. On transfer to our hospital her repeat lactic acid was 20 mEq/L, osmolar gap was 20. Her PG level, which was drawn several hours after her initial presentation, was 11 mg/dL. Our patient noted that she ingested a 16 oz. package of corn starch mixed with baking soda approximately every 2 days. Given the concerns for PG she was underwent intermittent hemodialysis. PG and lactic acid levels improved, however, she ultimately died due to complications from her hospitalization.

PG causes toxicity through metabolism to lactic acid. While there are small amounts in food products and medications, under the right circumstances, PG can accumulate and lead to significant toxicity.