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Toxic Alcohols, Pediatric

Amin Salem, MD, MRCPCH, DCH, DPP and Robert J. Hoffman, MD, MS Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Toxic alcohols discussed here include ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, and methanol.

  • Ethylene glycol is a sweet, odorless, colorless liquid, commonly used as automobile antifreeze ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Typically, a history of exposure is available. In absence of this history, an osmolal gap or anion gap with metabolic acidemia is suggestive of toxic alcohol exposure.

  • Visual complaint...

TREATMENT

  • Prompt evaluation of airway, breathing, circulation, serum glucose, and ECG (“A,B,C,D,E”) is critical.

  • Consultation with a medical toxicologist or poison center is recommended.

GENERAL MEASURES

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Most exposures for which ethylene glycol or methanol levels cannot be obtained should be followed for 12 to 24 hours to detect development of metabolic acidemia o...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Barceloux DG, Bond GR, Krenzelok EP, et al; for American Academy of Clinical Toxicology Ad Hoc Committee on the Treatment Guidelines for Methanol Poisoning. American Academy of Clin...

CODES

ICD9

  • 982.8 Toxic effect of other nonpetroleum-based solvents

  • 980.2 Toxic effect of isopropyl alcohol

  • 980.1 Toxic effect of methyl alcohol

ICD10

  • T52.8X1A Toxic effect of organic solvents, accidental, ...

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