8.6.2: Ethylene Glycol Poisoning. Ethylene glycol classically produces an elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis. Editor: Anthony J. However, it is a rare presentation in Australia with only 22 cases reported in 2014. This patient had a component of non-anion gap metabolic acidosis as demonstrated by a gap, or delta ratio (DR) of less than 1. presented with metabolic acidosis and acidemia after ethylene glycol ingestion, but with only a relatively minor increase in the anion gap. Background: Ethylene glycol toxicity is a well-known cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and high anion gap metabolic acidosis. Treatment is multifactorial, but if implemented early can prevent some of these complications. Ethylene glycol poisoning is primarily treated with ADH inhibitors, fomepizole or oral ethanol [4,5]. Hemodialysis accomplishes three immediate goals. Oxalic acid is another byproduct, which causes acute tubular necrosis and degrades opportunities for acid-base recovery. A retrospective review of Poison Control Center records were searched more than 8 years (2000-2007) for ethylene glycol and antifreeze. We report a series of patients with ethylene glycol toxicity with a component of non-anion gap metabolic acidosis without known associated confounding factors. The chief cause of metabolic acidosis is glycolic acid, which is a product of ethylene glycol metabolism. It is nontoxic itself but is converted to toxic metabolites in the liver: Glycolic acid (->glycolate anion) is the major contributor to the often severe high anion gap acidosis … Ethylene glycol and methanol themselves are not toxic, but their metabolites cause inebriation, nausea and vomiting, metabolic acidosis, hemodynamic instability and seizures. The poisoning causes disturbances in the body’s chemistry, including metabolic acidosis (increased acids in the bloodstream and tissues). Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis is occasionally reported – –Removes ethylene glycol and glycolate effectively Indications: – –Ethylene glycol concentration>500mg/L or presence of severe metabolic acidosis, renal failure, severe electrolyte imbalance, or generally deteriorating Ethylene glycol is a colorless sweet tasting solvent which is used in antifreeze solutions. We report a series of patients with ethylene glycol toxicity with a component of non-anion gap metabolic acidosis without known associated confounding factors. It will correct metabolic acidosis, and reduce both ethylene glycol levels and the toxic EG metabolites. Early haemodialysis is indicated for patients who exhibit multi-organ dysfunction and persistent metabolic acidosis despite ADH inhibition. If large doses of ethylene glycol are ingested, poisoning is accompanied by metabolic acidosis, with onset occurring within 24 hours after ingestion. Ethylene glycol toxicity is important to recognize because of its conversion to acid metabolites that can cause a metabolic acidosis and renal toxicity. Nearly half of these deaths were due to ethylene glycol or methanol. This acidosis is caused primarily by the accumulation of glycolic and glyoxylic acids, although oxalic acid and excess lactic acid may be contributing factors. Ethylene glycol is a traditional cause of high anion gap metabolic acidosis, and occupies the "E" spot in the MUDPILES mnemonic. Ingestion of ethylene glycol indirectly results in central nervous system compromise, cardiopulmonary depression, and renal failure 1. A reasonable endpoint for dialysis is correction of metabolic acidosis and reduction of EG level to less than 50 mg/dL. … Once absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, which occurs rapidly, ethylene glycol is converted to glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid which are the compounds responsible for toxicity, and metabolic acidosis 1. 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