DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ETHYLENE-GLYCO L POISONING - INTEREST OF CRYSTALLURIA - REPORT OF A CASE

During the course of a case of ethylene glycol poisoning with ensuing oliguric renal failure despite early dialysis, we show the importance of early diagnosis of this intoxication in underlined. Characteristics of ethylene glycol poisoning are: metabolic acidosis with anion gap ( without lactic acidosis or keto-acidosis) and high plasma osmolarity. Awaiting the result of blood and urinary toxic values, crystalluria, b y typical needle monohydrate calcium oxalate crystals finding, evokes the diagnosis and permits to start a specific treatment. This treatmen t is based on: principles of intensive care, ethanol administration (o r 4-methyl-pyrazole now available), also thiamine and pyridoxine admin istration and finally, dialysis therapy. We can hope, with early and i ntensive management of this poisoning, to prevent the renal failure, p rincipal complication of ethylene glycol ingestion, which can lead to chronic renal failure. Therefore, crystalluria, an easy and specific d iagnosis technic, is of great interest.