ETHYLENE-GLYCOL POISONING - TOXICOKINETIC AND ANALYTICAL FACTORS AFFECTING LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS

Ethylene glycol poisoning is an important toxicological problem in med ical practice because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent consid erable morbidity and mortality. When ingested in the form of antifreez e or other automotive products, ethylene glycol results in central ner vous system depression, cardiopulmonary compromise, and renal insuffic iency. Metabolism of ethylene glycol to organic acids is required for metabolic derangement and organ damage. Laboratory features of ethylen e glycol poisoning include increased anion gap metabolic acidosis, inc reased osmolal gap, calcium oxalate crystalluria, and detectable ethyl ene glycol in serum. This Case Conference integrates discussion of the toxicokinetic and analytical variables that affect the laboratory dia gnosis of ethylene glycol intoxication.