Apa itu Etilen Glikol dalam Kandungan Obat Sirup Anak?

Summary

In Indonesia, since January to October 18, 2022, 206 children have experienced a mysterious acute kidney failure across 20 provinces, with a fatality rate of 45%. Investigations point to ethylene glycol contamination in syrup medication as the potential cause. Ethylene glycol is a simple organic compound used in various commercial and industrial applications but is highly toxic in certain concentrations. Professor Zulis Ikawati from UGM explains that propylene glycol or glycerin, which resembles ethylene glycol, is typically used as a solvent in children's syrup medication and is non-toxic. However, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol can be found as contaminants in these solvents. Accurate and sensitive analysis is required to determine if the glycol levels in the medication are toxic to the kidneys.

Takeaways

• 🎵 206 children have experienced mysterious acute kidney disorders across 20 provinces in Indonesia since January to October 18, 2022.
• ⚠️ The mortality rate is alarmingly high, with 45% or 99 cases resulting in death.
• 🧪 Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol found in children's syrup medicine are suspected to be the trigger for these acute kidney disorders.
• 💧 Glycol is a simple organic compound, with ethylene glycol appearing as a clear, sweet, slightly viscous liquid that boils at 198°C.
• ⚙️ Ethylene glycol is commonly used in commercial and industrial applications such as antifreeze and coolant.
• 🚨 In certain quantities, ethylene glycol is highly dangerous, and its ingestion can lead to severe illness or even death in humans and animals.
• 👩‍🔬 UGM pharmacy professor, Professor Zulis Ikawati, explains that propylene glycol or glycerin is typically used as a solvent in children's syrup and is safe for consumption.
• 🔍 Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol can sometimes be found as contaminants in propylene glycol or glycerin within permissible limits.
• 🧑‍🔬 To determine whether the ethylene glycol in children's syrup is toxic to the kidneys, accurate and sensitive analytical methods must be employed.
• 🎶 The script emphasizes the need for thorough investigation into the presence of these chemicals in children's medicine to assess potential health risks.

Q & A

How many children have experienced a mysterious acute kidney failure in Indonesia since January to October 18, 2022?

206 children have experienced a mysterious acute kidney failure.

What is the death rate among these children?

The death rate has reached 45%.

What substance has been found in 99 cases related to this mysterious acute kidney failure?

Ethylene glycol has been found in 99 cases.

What is ethylene glycol and why is it dangerous?

Ethylene glycol is a simple organic compound, a colorless, sweet-tasting, and slightly viscous liquid that boils at 198 degrees Celsius. It is highly toxic and can make animals or humans who consume it very sick or even cause death.

What is the typical substance used as a solvent in children's cough syrup?

Propylene glycol, or glycerin, is typically used as a solvent in children's cough syrup.

Why is propylene glycol considered safe for use?

Propylene glycol is considered safe because it resembles ethylene glycol in physical properties but is non-toxic and widely used.

Can ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol be found as contaminants in propylene glycol or glycerin?

Yes, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol can be found as contaminants in propylene glycol or glycerin, but only up to allowable limits.

What needs to be done to ensure the ethylene glycol in children's cough syrup is not toxic?

An accurate and sensitive analytical method is required to ensure that the ethylene glycol in children's cough syrup is within a non-toxic level.

Who is Professor Zulis Ikawati and what is her role in this context?

Professor Zulis Ikawati is a pharmacology expert from UGM (Universitas Gadjah Mada) who explains the differences between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol and their safety in cough syrup.

What is the significance of the boiling point of ethylene glycol mentioned in the script?

The boiling point of ethylene glycol is mentioned to describe its physical properties, which might be relevant to understanding its behavior in various applications, including its potential presence in cough syrup.

What applications are ethylene glycol commonly used for?

Ethylene glycol is commonly used in commercial and industrial applications, including as an antifreeze and coolant.