Intoxication - ethylene glycol
Key points
- Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting chemical found in many household products, including: antifreeze, de-icing products, detergents, paints, and even cosmetics.
- Ethylene glycol may be ingested accidentally, or it may be consumed deliberately in a suicide attempt or as a substitute for drinking alcohol (ethanol).
- The first effect of ethylene glycol ingestion is a sense of inebriation similar to the feeling caused by drinking alcohol (ethanol).
- Ethylene glycol toxicity should be suspected in anyone who is severely ill after drinking an unknown substance, especially if they initially appear drunk without the characteristic breath odor of drinking alcohol (ethanol).
Alternative names
Ethylene glycol intoxication; Ethylene glycol poisoning
Definition
Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting chemical found in many household products, including: antifreeze, de-icing products, detergents, paints, and even cosmetics. Ingestion causes poisoning, and it can also cause severe eye irritation on contact.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Ethylene glycol may be ingested accidentally, or it may be consumed deliberately in a suicide attempt or as a substitute for drinking alcohol (ethanol).
Symptoms
The first effect of ethylene glycol ingestion is a sense of inebriation similar to the feeling caused by drinking alcohol (ethanol). Within a few hours, the toxic effects are evident, including: nausea, vomiting, convulsions, stupor, or even coma.
Many organs can be damaged by ethylene glycol toxicity, including: the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and muscles. As little as 120 ml (approximately 4 fluid ounces) of ethylene glycol may be enough to kill an average-sized man.
Ethylene glycol toxicity results when enzymes in the liver metabolize (break down) ethylene glycol into smaller compounds, which deposit in body tissue and cause damage.
These compounds also cause disturbances in the body's chemistry, including metabolic acidosis, which is a buildup of acids in the blood. The disturbances may be severe enough to cause profound shock, organ failure, and death.
Signs and tests
Ethylene glycol toxicity should be suspected in anyone who is severely ill after drinking an unknown substance, especially if they initially appear drunk without the characteristic breath odor of drinking alcohol (ethanol).
Diagnosis of ethylene glycol toxicity is usually made through a combination of blood, urine, and other tests which may include:
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- CHEM-7
- Osmolality
- Ethylene glycol test
- Urinalysis
- Ketones - serum
- CBC
- Chest X-ray
- EKG
- Toxicology screen
Blood tests will show elevated levels of ethylene glycol, as well as severe metabolic acidosis and blood chemical disturbances. Blood tests may also show signs of kidney failure and muscle or liver damage.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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