Related Experiment Videos
Toxic alcohol but not intoxicated--a case report
L Symington1, L Jackson, B Klaassen
1Accident and Emergency, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY. linda.r.symington@tuht.scot.nhs.uk
Scottish Medical Journal
|September 17, 2005
Summary
Ethylene glycol poisoning can be fatal, but symptoms may be delayed. This case highlights the need for vigilance even in initially asymptomatic patients with potential ethylene glycol exposure.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Ethylene glycol ingestion is a life-threatening medical emergency.
- Current UK guidelines (Toxbase) recommend treatment based on timely symptom presentation or biochemical markers.
- Delayed presentation of symptoms can complicate management.
Observation:
- A patient ingested ethylene glycol but remained asymptomatic for nearly 24 hours.
- Following the asymptomatic period, the patient developed severe clinical symptoms.
- Significant metabolic acidosis and renal impairment were observed.
Findings:
- The patient presented with delayed-onset symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning.
- Marked metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury necessitated intensive treatment.
- Haemodialysis was required for management of the severe poisoning.
Implications:
- This case challenges the assumption of rapid symptom onset in ethylene glycol poisoning.
- Extended observation may be warranted in cases of suspected ethylene glycol ingestion, even without immediate symptoms.
- Clinical awareness and prompt intervention, including advanced support like haemodialysis, are crucial for managing delayed-onset ethylene glycol toxicity.