Validated GC-MS methods to detect ethylene, diethylene, and triethylene glycol in serum, plasma, and urine samples.

BACKGROUND: While Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) is approved by the USFDA for short term use by adults, it is commonly recommended for use in constipated children. Multiple reports of adverse events in children taking PEG 3350 raised safety concerns suggesting that low molecular weight species of PEG 3350 might be absorbed from the gut and cause side effects such as ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), and triethylene glycol (TEG). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This article documents the development, validation, and application of analytical methods using GC-MS and GC-MS/MS for the quantitation of EG, DEG, and TEG in human plasma, serum, and urine. RESULTS: The analytical range for EG, DEG, and TEG was 2-20 µg/mL. The sample preparation process involves derivatization using N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide with 1% trimethylchlorosilane in each biological matrices. Deuterated internal standards for each of the analytes were included to provide accurate quantitation of the glycol analytes. CONCLUSIONS: The validated methods were applied to analyze samples a pilot study of children taking PEG 3350. DEG and TEG were detected at levels below the limit of quantitation. In summary, a platform of analytical methods was developed to evaluate glycol analogs in urine, serum, and plasma clinical samples.