Two Serious and Challenging Medical Complications Associated with Volatile Substance Misuse: Sudden Sniffing Death and Fetal Solvent Syndrome

Abstract

Volatile substance misuse is a prevalent and often overlooked behavior among adolescents, including reported use among young pregnant women. Several medical repercussions can arise from the improper use of volatile substances, yet they are often underappreciated among scientists and health professionals. This brief review reports on the recent advances made in the preclinical and clinical data about two serious medical complications surrounding volatile substance misuse: sudden sniffing death and fetal solvent syndrome. Suggestions for treatment interventions are discussed. The paper's limitations are noted.