Ng, Patrick Chow Yuen
Long, Brit J.
Davis, William Tyler
Sessions, Daniel J.
Koyfman, Alex
Article History
Received: 28 August 2017
Accepted: 1 February 2018
First Online: 9 February 2018
Change Date: 22 March 2018
Change Type: Correction
Change Details: Toxic alcohols are a group of substances containing a hydroxyl group not meant to be ingested. They are the cause of a significant number of accidental and non-accidental exposures. Toxic alcohol poisoning can be associated with a significant degree of morbidity and mortality if not promptly recognized and treated. This review describes the clinical presentation and an approach to the recognition and management for toxic alcohol poisoning. Toxic alcohols classically refer to a group of alcohols not meant for ingestion. Methanol, ethylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol are readily available in common hardware and household materials. Toxic alcohols are ingested for a variety of reasons including accidental exposures, intentional inebriation, homicide and suicide. The patient with an altered mental status or concerning history warrants consideration of this potentially deadly ingestion. Treatment considerations include alcohol dehydrogenase blockade and hemodialysis. Toxic alcohol poisoning can be an elusive diagnosis. This review evaluates toxic alcohol poisoning signs and symptoms and an approach to diagnosis and management.
Compliance with ethical standards
:
: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
: This is a clinical review that did not involve the care of humans or animals.
: There is no requirement for informed consent with this review.