Propylene glycol: the safe diluent that continues to cause harm

Propylene glycol (PG) is present in many pharmaceutical products, lotions, ointments, and cosmetics. Although considered to be a relatively safe substance, overdoses have been associated with serious adverse effects. Propylene glycol intoxication occurred in a child and caused central nervous system depression and a severe metabolic acidosis. Initial assessment revealed an elevated serum anion gap, a slight increase in measured serum osmolality, and a normal osmolal gap. The child's acidosis was due to increased concentrations of lactate and pyruvate. The possibility of serious PG intoxication should be considered in any patient with an unexplained serious metabolic acidosis.     

Adolescent egocentrism and cognitive functioning during late adolescence

The relationship between adolescent egocentrism and post-formal thinking was examined in 163 college undergraduates. Participants were administered the Imaginary Audience Scale and the Social Paradigm Belief Inventory. Results showed that females had higher levels of adolescent egocentrism than did males. A weak negative correlation between egocentrism and cognitive reasoning was found for females during late adolescence. The findings are consistent with Peterson and Roscoe's (1991) study of egocentrism in older adolescent females.