2,4-Dinitrophenol Poisoning Presenting as a Sepsis-like Syndrome

Abstract

2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) is a former weight loss supplement that has been banned by the Federal Drug Administration since 1938 due to its narrow therapeutic window and a high risk of fatal poisoning. However, DNP is still used in unregulated markets for its ability to rapidly shed body fat. Symptoms of DNP toxicity, such as tachycardia, tachypnea, diaphoresis, fever, lactic acidosis, and shock, are non-specific and can often mimic other illnesses including sepsis. Here we report a case of inadvertent DNP toxicity in a young man presenting with shortness of breath and fever that was treated with supportive care and recovered. In cases of young individuals presenting with a sepsis-like picture, especially those who admit to active bodybuilding or dieting, DNP poisoning should be considered and possible ingestions need to be elucidated from the clinical history.