NEWBORN RENAL TUBULAR-ACIDOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH PRENATAL MATERNAL TOLUENE SNIFFING

Sniffing of volatile organic solvents containing toluene, such as acry lic paints, glues, adhesives, paint thinners, varnishes and shoe polis hes, has become increasingly frequent in recent years. Renal tubular a cidosis is one of a number of human complications reported in the offs pring of mothers inhaling toluene during pregnancy This article report s a case of a premature newborn with renal tubular acidosis probably d ue to maternal sniffing of paint containing toluene. Characteristics o f this condition are described as well as its medical management With increasing frequency of maternal glue and paint sniffing, more cases o f newborn renal tubular acidosis will likely appear. Physicians should be prepared to manage neonatal tubular acidosis that may accompany ma ternal toluene sniffing in order to lessen newborn morbidity and/or mo rtality.