Citation

Riquier T, Geri G, Mongardon N, Bourgogne E, Pène F. Ann. Fr. Anesth. Reanim. 2014; 33(4): e79-81.

Affiliation

Medical Intensive Care Unit, Cochin Hospital, groupe hospitalier Paris Centre, assistance publique des hôpitaux de Paris, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, faculté de médecine, 15, rue de l'Ecole-de-Médecine, 75006 Paris, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.annfar.2014.02.010

PMID

24630168

Abstract

Ethylene glycol poisoning is rare, but prompt diagnosis is crucial, in order to initiate specific treatments. Herein, we report the case of a patient who was admitted to ICU for coma and extreme metabolic acidosis with unexpected hyperlactatemia on initial ICU blood gas analyzer. Ethylene glycol poisoning was diagnosed, and hyperlactatemia was ruled out on a blood sample sent to the biochemistry department. Interference of blood gas analyzers lactate electrodes with metabolites of ethylene glycol were the source of this apparent hyperlactatemia. Symptoms gradually improved and false hyperlactatemia resolved after renal replacement therapy and fomepizole administration. Time course of ethylene glycol concentration showed similar evolution. After initial confirmation of ethylene glycol presence, this biological interference could thus be used as a surrogate of costly and highly specialised dosages.

Language: en