Ethylene glycol can be considered an alcohol polyhydroxylated. It appears to be low in toxicity but with the intake of other medication could cause death. A dose of 100 ml is very dangerous, if well some people are also cured by ingesting larger amounts. The clinical picture is the same as ethanol intoxication. After some time appear nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, depression, convulsion and coma.
Diagnosis and treatment
Apart from the history, confirmation of intoxication is obtained by classical aspiration, through which the presence of a blue-colored liquid can be noted. In fatal cases, autopsy reveals diffuse cerebral edema with deposits of calcium oxalate crystals in the meninges. If the patient presents a few hours after ingesting the ethylene glycol then gastric lavage can be performed and sodium bicarbonate administered to correct the acidosis. When hypernatremia is high, it can be reduced with hemodialysis.
Source: Vadecum of poisoning therapy by Roy Goulding
