"Bicarbonate resistant" metabolic acidosis in association with ethylene glycol intoxication

A case of massive ingestion of ethylene glycol is described. The clinical characteristics of this disorder such as persistent metabolic acidosis and oxaluria as well as changes in serum osmolality that may accompany ingestion of certain toxins are emphasized. The rapid clearance of ethylene glycol from the blood during hemodialysis is noted and the use of ethyl alcohol to block metabolic conversion of ethylene glycol to oxalic acid, which is also a toxin, is described. The importance of early diagnosis and therapy is stressed.