<Tr> <Th> Frequency </Th> <Td>> 5,000 cases per year (US) </Td> </Tr> <P> Ethylene glycol poisoning is poisoning caused by drinking ethylene glycol . Early symptoms include intoxication, vomiting and abdominal pain . Later symptoms may include a decreased level of consciousness, headache, and seizures . Long term outcomes may include kidney failure and brain damage . Toxicity and death may occur even after drinking a small amount . </P> <P> Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet liquid, commonly found in antifreeze . It may be drunk accidentally or purposefully in an attempt to cause death . When broken down by the body it results in glycolic acid and oxalic acid which cause most of the toxicity . The diagnosis may be suspected when calcium oxalate crystals are seen in the urine or when acidosis or an increased osmol gap is present in the blood . Diagnosis may be confirmed by measuring ethylene glycol levels in the blood; however, many hospitals do not have the ability to perform this test . </P> <P> Early treatment increases the chance of a good outcome . Treatment consists of stabilizing the person, followed by the use of an antidote . The preferred antidote is fomepizole with ethanol used if this is not available . Hemodialysis may also be used in those where there is organ damage or a high degree of acidosis . Other treatments may include sodium bicarbonate, thiamine, and magnesium . </P>

What are symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in humans