MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

<h1 class="pheader">Ethylene glycol intoxication</h1>

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<p>Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting chemical found in many household products, including antifreeze, deicing products, detergents, paints, and cosmetics. It is poisonous if swallowed.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a local poison control center. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.</p>

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<h2 class="subheading">Causes</h2>

<p>Ethylene glycol may be swallowed accidentally, or it may be taken deliberately in a suicide attempt or as a substitute for drinking alcohol (ethanol).</p>

<h2 class="subheading">Symptoms</h2>

<p>The first symptom of ethylene glycol ingestion is similar to the feeling caused by drinking alcohol (ethanol). Within a few hours, more toxic effects become apparent. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, stupor, or even coma.

An overdose of ethylene glycol can damage the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, and lungs. The poisoning causes disturbances in the body's chemistry, including <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000335.htm">metabolic acidosis</a>. The disturbances may be severe enough to cause profound <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000039.htm">shock</a>, organ failure, and death.

As little as 120 milliliters (approximately 4 fluid ounces) of ethylene glycol may be enough to kill an average-sized man.</p>

<h2 class="subheading">Exams and Tests</h2>

<p>Ethylene glycol toxicity should be suspected in anyone who is severely ill after drinking an unknown substance, especially if they at first appear drunk and you cannot smell alcohol on their breath.

Diagnosis of ethylene glycol toxicity is usually made through a combination of blood, urine, and other tests such as:</p>

<ul>

<li>Arterial blood gas analysis</li>

<li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003804.htm">Chest x-ray</a> (shows fluids in the lungs)</li>

<li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003642.htm">Complete blood count</a> (CBC)</li>

<li>CT scan (shows brain swelling)</li>

<li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003564.htm">Ethylene glycol test</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003498.htm">Ketones - blood</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003463.htm">Osmolality</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003578.htm">Toxicology screen</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003579.htm">Urinalysis</a></li>

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<p>Tests will show increased levels of ethylene glycol, blood chemical disturbances, and possible signs of kidney failure and muscle or liver damage.</p>

<h2 class="subheading">Treatment</h2>

<p>Most people with ethylene glycol poisoning need to be admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. A breathing machine (respirator) may be needed.

Those who recently swallowed the ethylene glycol may have their stomach pumped (suctioned). This can help remove some of the poison.

Other treatments may include:</p>

<ul>

<li>Activated charcoal</li>

<li>Sodium bicarbonate solution given through a vein (IV) to reverse severe acidosis</li>

<li>Antidotes that slow the formation of the poisonous by-products in the body</li>

</ul>

<p>In severe cases, dialysis may be used to directly remove the ethylene glycol and other poisonous substances from the blood. Dialysis reduces the time needed for the body to remove the toxins. Dialysis is also needed by patients who develop severe kidney failure as a result of poisoning. It may be needed for many months afterwards.</p>

<h2 class="subheading">Outlook (Prognosis)</h2>

<p>How well a person does depends on how quickly treatment is received, among other things. When treatment is delayed, this type of poisoning can be deadly.</p>

<h2 class="subheading">Possible Complications</h2>

<ul>

<li>Death</li>

<li>Kidney failure</li>

<li>Shock</li>

</ul>

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