Ethylene glycol poisoning

Ethylene glycol is a chemical compound in the form of a clear, colourless, slightly syrupy, slightly sweet-tasting liquid, which is used as an antifreeze and industrial solvent.

Poisoning is caused when it is consumed. In most cases, with suicidal purposes, but sometimes otherly consumed accidentally by children and animals due to its sweet taste.

The clinical presentation is usually rapid and manifests with a state of intoxication leading to central nervous system depression, coma, pain on the sides, urinary bleeding, metabolic acidosis with high anion gap and, later, heart and kidney failure.

Diagnosis is made through clinical history, physical examination and laboratory analysis, where it is confirmed by measuring the 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 to ensure the opening of the airway, ventilation and haemodynamic stability must be carried out. Treatment of metabolic disturbances must be ensured even with haemodialysis in some occasions. There is an antidote that will be administered in severe cases of poisoning.