Author: William Gibbs, Priyadarshini Marathe / Editor: Nick Tilbury / Codes: PhC4, PhC5, SLO3 / Published: 10/03/2021

A 50-year-old female presents to the emergency department after drinking approximately 300ml of ready-mixed antifreeze solution containing ethylene glycol three hours previously.  She states the intent was to end her life.

She reports feeling well but called for help as she regrets her actions and no longer wishes to die. She has not consumed alcohol as she read online that it may act as an antidote to the antifreeze.

She denies any past medical history, regular medications or allergies, though has previously taken overdoses.

Her observations and clinical examination are normal.

Intravenous access has been gained and a venous blood gas has been taken by the triaging nurse:

  • pH 7.25
  • Sodium 139
  • Potassium 4.6
  • Chloride 112
  • Lactate 14
  • Glucose 7
  • Bicarbonate 16
  • Base deficit – 9
  • Osmolality 296

You move the patient to resus immediately.