Open AccessToxic Alcohol Ingestions
Author(s) -
D Meikle Cc McMahon,
Shane Winstead,
Kyle A. Weant
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
advanced emergency nursing journal
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.203
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1931-4493
pISSN - 1931-4485
DOI - 10.1097/tme.0b013e3181ad8be8
Subject(s) - medicine , metabolic acidosis , ingestion , alcohol , ethylene glycol , methanol , toxicity , acidosis , emergency department , intensive care medicine , poison control , emergency medicine , anesthesia , biochemistry , chemistry , psychiatry , organic chemistry
The ingestion of toxic alcohols, specifically ethylene glycol (EG) and methanol, provides unique therapeutic challenges for emergency personnel. If untreated, these agents can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The toxicity of EG and methanol is dependent on endogenous metabolic processes rather than the actual parent compound ingested. These metabolites lead to the characteristic metabolic acidosis and cellular dysfunction typically seen with toxic alcohol ingestions. Fortunately, several options exist for the treatment of these ingestions, which, if implemented in the appropriate time period, can significantly decrease associated morbidity and mortality. The intent of this review is to discuss relevant management issues associated with EG and methanol intoxication in the emergency department.