Turning the Tide: Successful Management of Severe Ethylene Glycol Poisoning

Turning the Tide: Successful Management of Severe Ethylene Glycol Poisoning

Ethylene glycol poisoning is a severe condition that, if left untreated, can have a lethal outcome. We illustrate an efficient treatment plan that led to a full recovery following ethylene glycol consumption of a 49-year-old patient. the clinical diagnosis was based on metabolic acidosis, an elevated osmolal gap, and a history or suspicion of ethylene glycol ingestion. the first line of treatment must focus on addressing symptoms, which includes stabilizing the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and managing seizures or arrhythmias. one of the most difficult aspects of treating ethylene glycol poisoning is controlling acidosis using sodium bicarbonate and returning the electrolyte panel to normal. Following the confirmation of the accurate diagnosis, cofactor therapy involving thiamine and pyridoxine should be employed in addition to antidotal medication. Hemodialysis is also a helpful procedure in cases of severe toxicity or renal impairment resulting of ethylene glycol poisoning.
(POL NEPHROL DIAL 2025; 29: 110-115)

J. Hanke, K. Romejko, S. Niemczyk