Abstract
Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), also known as gut fermentation syndrome, is a very rare disorder. It is characterized by the endogenous production of alcohol. It typically presents with the signs of alcohol intoxication, such as staggering gait, slurred speech, gastrointestinal distress, and state of confusion. Due to the nonspecific symptoms, it is necessary to rule out other etiologies before reaching a diagnosis of ABS. The confirmatory test for this syndrome is the raised levels of blood or breath ethanol after a glucose challenge test. The management includes the use of antifungal drugs and avoidance of a carbohydrate-rich diet. In this review, we summarize the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, management, and medicolegal aspects of ABS.
Highlights
BackgroundAlcohol is one of the oldest known beverages
We summarize the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, management, and medicolegal aspects of Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS)
Owing to the wideranging social and medicolegal implications of alcohol consumption, the idea of its endogenous production is an area of fascination for investigators and the general public alike
Summary
Alcohol is one of the oldest known beverages. It has an important role in the social life of a large percentage of the world’s population, drinking habits vary widely across the world [1]. Few cases discussed in the literature used nonspecific glucose challenge tests to diagnose this condition This involves providing nonspecific carbohydrate meals to the suspected patient and analyzing blood and breath alcohol level [13,22]. The levels were detected in different bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and plasma, as well as breath, using sensitive tests including gas chromatography and enzymatic oxidation These studies showed that there is a small amount of alcohol produced in the body, the probability of endogenous production of relatively high levels (>80 mg/dL) is quite rare with ABS syndrome [6]. Considering the variability in the literature, more studies are required to reach a conclusion on this aspect
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