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Related Concept Videos

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
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Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Toxidromes: Clinical Features01:30

Toxidromes: Clinical Features

Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction01:25

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DefinitionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by a triad of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >250 mg/dL), ketonemia or ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.30 and serum bicarbonate <18 mEq/L). It results from insulin deficiency combined with elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones—glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone—leading to increased lipolysis, hepatic ketone production, and...
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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Synthesis of Indoxyl-glycosides for Detection of Glycosidase Activities
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Published on: May 27, 2015

Diethylene glycol poisoning.

Leo J Schep1, Robin J Slaughter, Wayne A Temple

  • 1Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, National Poisons Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. leo.schep@otago.ac.nz

Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|July 10, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Diethylene glycol (DEG) poisoning, often occurring in epidemics due to pharmaceutical contamination, can cause severe organ damage and death. Prompt treatment with fomepizole or ethanol and supportive care improves outcomes.

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

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06:12

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Published on: April 28, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an industrial chemical with a history of causing mass poisoning incidents, particularly through pharmaceutical contamination.
  • Epidemics of DEG poisoning are more prevalent in developing nations with inadequate quality control and limited medical resources.
  • Despite its toxicity, a comprehensive review of DEG poisoning has been lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of Diethylene glycol (DEG) poisoning.
  • To summarize key aspects including epidemiology, toxicokinetics, toxicity mechanisms, clinical presentation, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of OVID MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science databases.
  • Inclusion of information from book chapters, news reports, and relevant web materials.
  • Compilation of data on DEG's properties, historical poisonings, and medical literature.

Main Results:

  • DEG is rapidly absorbed, metabolized in the liver to 2-hydroxyethoxyacetic acid (HEAA), and renally eliminated.
  • HEAA is implicated as the primary agent responsible for DEG's renal and neurological toxicities.
  • Clinical effects manifest in three stages: initial gastrointestinal/inebriation, progressing to severe acidosis and renal injury, and potentially delayed neuropathies.

Conclusions:

  • Diethylene glycol (DEG) ingestion can result in severe, potentially fatal complications.
  • Early supportive care, including airway management and acid-base correction, is crucial.
  • Timely administration of fomepizole or ethanol, alongside hemodialysis, can mitigate toxicity and improve patient prognosis.