Ethylene glycol antifreeze poisoning Three case reports and a review of treatment

Abstract

SummaryWe present three patients with ethylene glycol antifreeze poisoning whose management included the use of continuous veno-venous haemodiafltration. Results from these cases demonstrate clearance of the ethylene glycol molecule.

Delayed neurological sequelae from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and methanol poisonings

“…a bulbar palsy), which does not manifest until 5 to 20 days after ingestion. 3,4 Interestingly, the VII cranial nerve has been most commonly implicated. 2,3,5 Neurological sequelae resulting from basal ganglia injury, though unusual, have also been reported.…”

“…It is probable that the combination of severe metabolic acidosis caused by glycolic and oxalic acids and precipitation of calcium oxalate crystals in tissues, results in impaired organ function. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Because the toxic clinical and laboratory sequelae of ethylene glycol ingestion are due primarily to its metabolites, the coingestion of ethanol can delay their appearance by several hours.…”

Testing for Ethyl Alcohol (Alcohol) and Other Volatiles

“…The lethal dose of ethylene glycol is usually assumed to be 100 mL, but there are reports of fatality from ethylene glycol poisoning even from ingestion of only 30 mL [11]. These complications can even be fatal.…”

Ethylene Glycol

“…36,[104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115] Finally, metabolism of glyoxylic acid to nontoxic end products may be enhanced by the administration of thiamine and pyridoxine. An additional inconvenience was the necessity to prepare a filtered 5% solution of the drug.…”