Two Cases of Ethylene Glycol Poisoning Treated Successfully with Haemodialysis

Ethylene glycol is an organic toxic compound found in many household items including radiator coolants and brake oil. Toxic effects of ethylene glycol are due to its metabolites glycolic acid and oxalic acid which cause potentially fatal metabolic acidosis and renal failure. Here we discuss two cases of ethylene glycol poisoning with literature review on pathophysiology, clues in diagnosis and therapy. First case is of a teenage girl presenting with unexplained persistent drowsiness. She went on to develop acidotic breathing and anuria. Unexplained metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury inclined us towards ethylene glycol poisoning. On further questioning, she confirmed taking radiator coolant 5 hours before admission. The second case is of a young automobile serviceman who presented with unexplained markedly reduced level of consciousness. He had high anion gap metabolic acidosis, calcium oxalate crystals in urine and basal ganglia hypodensities in non-contrast CT. He later developed acute kidney injury. Ethylene glycol poisoning was suspected which was later confirmed when the patient regained consciousness. Both patients responded well to haemodialysis and recovered without complications. Ethylene glycol is an easily accessible toxic compound that can be used as a suicidal agent. High anion gap metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, calcium oxalate crystalluria and altered sensorium are highly suggestive. A high degree of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis. Haemodialysis can be used effectively to remove the toxic metabolites and treat the renal impairment. Early recognition will save lives without long term renal or neurologic complications.