EM Clerkship

Ethylene Glycol (Deep Dive MW R18)

03.16.2024 - By Zack Olson, MD and Michael Estephan, MDPlay

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Phase One: CNS

* Ataxia, Slurred Speech, Confusion, N/V, Seizures

Phase Two: Cardiopulmonary

* CHF, Cardiogenic Shock/Hypotension, Pulmonary Edema, ARDS

Phase Three: Renal

* Flank pain, Hematuria, Oliguria, Renal Failure

Diagnosis:

* HIGH INDEX OF SUSPICION

* Ethylene Glycol Serum Level

* Elevated Osmolar Gap

* Serial Anion Gap Measurements

Treatment:

* Fomepizole or Ethanol to prevent breakdown to toxic glycolic acid/oxalic acid

* Hemodialysis

* Consider Bicarb drip, pyridoxine, and thiamine

Further Reading:

EMCrit Toxic Alcohols

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