Persistent Urinary Ethyl Sulfate in the Absence of Urinary Ethyl Glucuronide in a Patient with Alcohol Use Disorder Who Claimed Abstinence. Issue 6 (24th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reisfield, Gary M; Teitelbaum, Scott A; Jones, Joseph T
• Is Part Of: Journal of analytical toxicology. Volume 44:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 623
• Page End: 626
• Publication Date: 2020-02-24
• Subjects: Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Toxicity testing -- Periodicals; 615.907
• DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-4760

Abstract

Abstract: A 48-year-old nurse with an alcohol use disorder history was being monitored in a professional health program. She consistently produced low-to-moderate urinary ethyl sulfate (EtS) concentrations in the absence of detectable urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG), blood phosphatidylethanol and breath alcohol. She denied intentional ethanol consumption. After prolonged monitoring in a drug treatment program, including a period in a controlled environment, we concluded that this individual's urinary EtS likely resulted from anatomical and microbial factors related to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, with possible contributions from hidden dietary sources of ethanol. We have no definitive explanation for the lack of urinary EtG.