Q: Pt with Glue Sniffing and Alcohol use?

Q. 21 Year old alcohol dependent male recently started glue sniffing. What will this combination most likely result in?
(a) Toluene Toxicity
(b) Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome
(c) Worsening of Cardiac arrhythmia
(d) No significant effects

b)wernicke's encephalopathy
both inhalants as wells as alcohol causes dementia,ataxia confusion etc.

No. This is not correct answer.

I agree that both inhalants and alcohol have almost similar presentations.
Please try again

Ans: A. Toluene Toxicity

Alcohol inhibits the metabolism of toluene and raises the concentration of toluene in the blood 2-fold.

Few more facts on Glue Sniffing:

- Toluene intoxication has a similar presentation to alcohol intoxication.
- Cocaine, or any sympathomimetic use, with toluene may increase risks of fatal arrhythmias.
- Model airplane glues and rubber cements are sources of toluene.
- Serum toluene concentrations are available only through specialized laboratories and are not available quickly enough to guide therapy. Blood toluene levels of 2.5 mg/L correlate with toxicity. Levels of 50 mg/L are probably fatal.
- Administer supportive care, including supplemental oxygen, as soon as possible at the scene.