Ethylene glycol poisoning

Ethylene glycol poisoning is caused by its consumption. It is the primary ingredient in antifreeze fluids. Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless liquid with a sweet taste. It is a rare but life-threatening poisoning. The majority of cases are caused by consumption with suicidal purposes but it is sometimes consumed accidentally by children and animals due to its sweet taste. The clinical presentation is often fast and manifests with a state of intoxication leading to depression of the central nervous system, coma, pain in the sides, urinary bleeding and metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap and later with heart and kidney failure. Diagnosis is from clinical suspicion and laboratory tests and is confirmed by measuring levels of the substance in the blood. Treatment must be started immediately, without waiting for the result of the levels of these substances. Supportive measures: ensure the opening of the airway, ventilation and hemodynamic stability. Correction of metabolic disturbances even with hemodialysis. There is currently a specific antidote that is administered on severe poisoning.