INTRODUCTION Intoxication with ethylene glycol occurs as a result of intentional ingestion in suicide attempts or accidentally. Clinical ethylene glycol poisoning is not specific and occurs in many poisoning cases therefore the diagnosis is difficult. Early diagnostic and establishment of therapy are very important for a favorable evolution. The mortality rate of ethylene glycol intoxication ra...

We were interested to read the article by Manini et al. (1), which confirmed previous observations that a severe ethylene glycol poisoning may lead to falsely elevated lactate levels (2). High lactate levels were indeed measured by enzymatic spectrophotometry (Integra analyzer) but excluded by a specific GC analysis. A linear correlation was nicely demonstrated between the serially determined b...

Brake oil is a type of hydraulic fluid used in automobiles. It consists toxic compounds like ethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol and additives. poisoning rare it can either be due to intentional or accidental1,2. Toxic manifestations are mainly metabolites rather than the brake oil3,4. Immediate haemodialysis other supportive carecan improve outcome intoxicated patients. Here we present case repo...

Accidental or intentional ingestion of substances containing methanol and ethylene glycol can result in death, and some survivors are left with blindness, renal dysfunction, and chronic brain injury. However, even in large ingestions, a favorable outcome is possible if the patient arrives at the hospital early enough and the poisoning is identified and appropriately treated in a timely manner. ...

To the Editor: The recent paper by Eder et al. (1) recalls, among other things, the problems that a clinical STAT laboratory has to face in the case of ethylene glycol poisoning. As an alternative to the precise and accurate gas chromatographic technique, the enzymatic assay with glycerol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.6) and NADH as tracer has been proposed by various authors [see, e.g., (2–4)]. The ...

EDITOR: We report a case in which we used the GlideScope to facilitate the successful insertion of nasogastric tube. A 66-yr-old male was scheduled for an elective left-sided hemi-mandibulectomy with radial free flap reconstruction for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. On assessment, the patient’s airway was Mallampati 2 and mouth opening was three fingerbreadths wide. We induced anae...

n engl j med 360;21 nejm.org may 21, 2009 2216 This Journal feature begins with a case vignette that includes a therapeutic recommendation. A discussion of the clinical problem and the mechanism of benefit of this form of therapy follows. Major clinical studies, the clinical use of this therapy, and potential adverse effects are reviewed. Relevant formal guidelines, if they exist, are presented...

infrequent cases of ethylene glycol poisoning. We believe that glycolic acid measurements can be useful as a supplement, but not as a substitute, to serum ethylene glycol determination, although in most cases the latter will be sufficient. Furthermore, serum ethylene glycol determined enzymatically should be confirmed by another method such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (6). However, ...

As an example of practical observation, the basic principles forensic medical assessment therapeutic and diagnostic processes are demonstrated in case suspicion improper provision toxicological care ethylene glycol poisoning. This study highlighted factors hindering its assessment.
 Factors such as lack information from eyewitnesses or patient himself about oral intake a liquid with potent...

A severe and fatal case of ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) poisoning in an unidentified vagrant man is reported and discussed. The case demonstrates the typical complications associated with this type of poisoning, in particular severe metabolic acidosis, acute renal failure and a deep comatose state. The importance of early diagnosis, aggressive treatment and intensive nursing care in order to o...