Citation

Zaldibar EE, Aguilera CL, Aguayo GFJ. Rev. Esp. Anestesiol. Reanim. 2011; 58(3): 183-185.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación)

DOI

10.1016/s0034-9356(11)70028-7

PMID

21534295

Abstract

Ethylene glycol intake is a rare cause of alcohol poisoning in our practice setting. Most cases are voluntary, representing suicide attempts. Because delayed treatment leads to serious morbidity and high mortality (up to 50%), early diagnosis is essential for preventing harmful consequences and even death. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and laboratory findings. Given that most hospitals do not have the means to measure the specific toxin in plasma, osmolar gap monitoring usually serves as a rapid diagnostic test for detecting the presence of osmotically active substances like ethylene glycol in plasma. We report a case of voluntary poisoning after the patient swallowed antifreeze. Successful treatment began early, with monitoring of the osmolar gap and plasma level correspondence. We also comment on the range of therapeutic options, emphasizing antidotes such as ethanol and fomepizole which provide the basis for treatment.

Language: es

Keywords

Humans; Female; Severity of Illness Index; Poisoning; Young Adult; Osmolar Concentration; Ethylene Glycol