Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (913 page)

   Digoxin and estrogens increase in plasma levels

ETHYLENE GLYCOL
*

   Definition

   A colorless, odorless, sweet tasting nonvolatile liquid found in antifreeze, coolants, deicers, brake fluids, detergents, paints, and inks

   Other name: 1,2-ethanediol

   
Normal range:
none; threshold limit value for occupational exposure: 100 mg/m
³

   Use

   Antifreeze

   Softening agent and stabilizer

   Solvent

   Interpretation

   Minimum lethal oral dose for adults is approximately 100 mL; toxicity possible at serum concentrations >250 mg/L

   Limitations

   Propylene glycol, a similar compound used in pharmaceutical preparations is less toxic.

   Ethylene glycol can cause severe metabolic acidosis with increased anion gap and osmolal gap.