Diethylene glycol poisoning identified in the emergency department: A case report.
Julia Ruggieri, Christopher Kelly, Mckenna Jennings et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A patient presented to the emergency department after intentionally ingesting brake fluid, leading to diethylene glycol (DEG) toxicity. The clinical presentation included severe metabolic acidosis and renal injury. The patient was treated with hemodialysis, which resulted in a significant reduction in DEG levels. However, the exact contributions of the dialysis versus natural elimination were unclear.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for diethylene glycol poisoning in cases of toxic alcohol ingestion, as the clinical presentation can be nonspecific.
Why it matters
This case underscores the necessity for prompt recognition and initiation of treatment in suspected cases of toxic alcohol ingestion to mitigate severe complications.