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2347327 
Journal Article 
The gasping syndrome and benzyl alcohol poisoning 
Gershanik, J; Boecler, B; Ensley, H; Mccloskey, S; George, W 
1982 
1 
New England Journal of Medicine
ISSN: 0028-4793
EISSN: 1533-4406 
307 
22 
1384-1388 
English 
7133084 
WOS:A1982PR37100006 
Benzyl alcohol is commonly used as an antibacterial agent in a variety of formulations, including bacteriostatic sodium chloride and bacteriostatic water, that are intended for intravenous administration. Although benzyl alcohol toxicity has been recognized, the concentration that is necessary for antibacterial action appears to be much lower than the concentration that would be dangerous to adults.1,2 Little, if anything, is known about the possible toxic effects of benzyl alcohol in neonates. Ten premature infants in our neonatal intensivecare unit developed similar clinical syndromes characterized by the deterioration of multiple organ systems and eventual death, which we believe were the result. © 1982, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.