MP Child Deaths: Tests Rule Out Diethylene Glycol in Cough Syrup Samples, Probe Continues

A joint team of experts is examining samples of various cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh after several children died in the state, reportedly after consuming counterfeit cough syrup. The experts collected

various samples in coordination with the State Authorities, including samples of various cough syrups.As per the test results, none of the samples contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) also tested three samples and confirmed absence of DEG/EG. One case has been found positive for Leptospirosis.The experts included representatives from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), according to news agency ANI."In view of the recent reports suggesting that child deaths in Madhya Pradesh were linked to consumption of cough syrups, a joint team consisting of representatives from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), etc visited the site. Various samples were collected in coordination with the State Authorities including samples of various cough syrups. As per the test results, none of the samples contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) also tested three samples and confirmed absence of DEG/EG. Further blood/CSF samples have been tested by NIV Pune for common pathogens. One case has been found positive for Leptospirosis."Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have been under scanner after at least 11 children died after consuming counterfeit cough syrup, officials said on Friday.

In Madhya Pradesh, nine deaths have been reported in Chhindwara.Two deaths linked to cough syrup have been reported In Rajasthan."The deaths and the kidney injury case are linked to the cough syrup called Coldrif, which everyone is blaming. However, investigations are still ongoing, and it's possible that the kidney injury was caused by something else altogether," Dr Pawan Nandurkar, associate professor and Head of Paediatrics, said, according to TOI.