Ethylene Glycol Intoxication
Alternate Names : Ethylene Glycol Poisoning, Intoxication - Ethylene Glycol
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Treatment
Treatment of ethylene glycol poisoning is directed at supporting the body's vital functions and removing ethylene glycol (and its toxic metabolic products) from the body. If the ingestion has occurred recently, suctioning of the stomach contents may help to physically remove some of the ingested product. Activated charcoal may also be given.
Most people with ethylene glycol toxicity will need to be admitted to the intensive care unit for close monitoring, and may require mechanical ventilation (the "respirator") and other advanced treatments. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate solution is used to reverse severe acidosis.
Other treatments include use of medications, such as fomepizole or intravenous ethanol, which slow the formation of the toxic products of ethylene glycol metabolism.
Hemodialysis may also be used in severe cases to remove ethylene glycol and its products from the blood directly. Dialysis greatly shortens the time needed for the body to clear the toxins and thus can lessen the damage. Dialysis is required in patients who develop severe kidney failure from ethylene glycol ingestion, and may be required for many months afterwards.
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