Glycerol intoxication syndrome (GIS) is a newly identified clinical syndrome reported in young children who developed acute symptoms after consuming slush ice drinks containing glycerol.

The retrospective review outlined 21 pediatric cases in the UK and Ireland from 2009 to 2024, with most children presenting acute symptoms such as decreased consciousness, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and pseudohypertriglyceridemia. The study suggests that rapid or large-volume ingestion of glycerol can lead to metabolic derangements resembling certain inherited metabolic disorders. Prompt glucose administration and avoidance of further exposure were effective in resolving symptoms, indicating a transient toxic-metabolic reaction. Clinicians are advised to consider GIS in children with unexplained hypoglycemia and altered consciousness, and public health bodies have recommended limiting glycerol-containing slush drinks for young children.

Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood