Fatal encephalopathy and renal failure caused by diethylene glycol poisoning

Diethylene glycol poisoning results in multiorgan dysfunction and requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. We report 11 patients of diethylene glycol poisoning, all of whom had renal failure and severe encephalopathy. The diagnosis was established by the presence of diethylene glycol in the paracetamol elixir consumed by these children; the amount of which ranged from 2.3 to 23% w/W. Consumption of large amount of toxin resulted in severe encephalopathy and high mortality in these children.