Antifreeze And Strokes: A Deadly Link?

Antifreeze is a liquid that prevents a car's radiator from freezing or overheating. It is also known as engine coolant. Antifreeze poisoning in humans can occur when someone consumes antifreeze, either accidentally or intentionally. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is toxic and poisonous if ingested. Ingesting antifreeze can cause life-threatening complications, including kidney damage, lung issues, and neurological problems. In rare cases, ethylene glycol toxicity can lead to a stroke, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Antifreeze poisoning can cause kidney damage

Antifreeze poisoning can cause severe kidney damage and even kidney failure. The active ingredient in antifreeze, ethylene glycol, is toxic to the kidneys and can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute kidney failure. The damage to the kidneys occurs due to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, which accumulate in the kidneys and cause oliguric or anuric acute kidney failure.

The kidney toxicity of ethylene glycol occurs 24 to 72 hours after ingestion and can be life-threatening. During this time, severe kidney failure can develop, and symptoms such as severe lethargy, coma, vomiting, seizures, and decreased or absent urine output may be observed. The formation of calcium oxalate crystals is a direct result of the metabolism of ethylene glycol by the body. First, ethylene glycol is metabolized into glycolic acid, which is then further metabolized into oxalic acid. Oxalic acid binds with calcium in the body, forming the harmful calcium oxalate crystals.

Treatment for antifreeze poisoning aims to prevent the formation of these toxic metabolites and to remove them from the body. Antidotes such as fomepizole and ethanol are used to inhibit the metabolism of ethylene glycol, while hemodialysis is employed to enhance the removal of unmetabolized ethylene glycol and its metabolites from the bloodstream.

The prognosis for kidney damage caused by antifreeze poisoning can be poor once kidney failure develops. However, with early intervention and treatment, kidney function can often be restored, although it may take weeks or months of supportive care, including hemodialysis.

Ethylene glycol toxicity can lead to stroke

Antifreeze is a liquid that prevents a car's radiator from freezing or overheating. It is also known as engine coolant. Antifreeze contains water-based liquid alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and methanol. While propylene glycol is not considered harmful in small amounts, ethylene glycol and methanol are hazardous and poisonous if ingested.

Ethylene glycol is a clear, water-soluble liquid with a sweet taste and no odour. It is moderately toxic. Due to its accessibility and taste, ethylene glycol toxicity is common worldwide. It can affect the kidneys, heart, lungs, and neurological system.

The rapid absorption of ethylene glycol by the gastrointestinal tract leads to its quick redistribution in various organs. While ethylene glycol is relatively non-toxic before being converted, it is rapidly metabolised into glycolic acid, which gets converted slowly into glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid. The latter interacts with calcium in the tissues to form calcium oxalate crystals, which remain in the body for several days. These crystals can precipitate in the cerebral blood vessels, leading to obstruction and causing a stroke or cerebral infarction.

The clinical manifestation of ethylene glycol toxicity includes central nervous system (CNS) depression, cardiopulmonary symptoms, and renal failure. The involvement of the CNS can range from slurred speech and confusion to seizures and coma. Severe neurological damage, such as a stroke, is a rare manifestation of ethylene glycol toxicity.

The rapid diagnosis of ethylene glycol toxicity is crucial to reducing patient morbidity and the severity of neurological damage. A detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory evidence are essential for diagnosis. Treatment should be initiated promptly, even if symptoms are mild or absent, to prevent permanent organ damage. Antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol are used to reverse the effects of the poison.

Antifreeze poisoning can cause neurological damage

Antifreeze poisoning can indeed cause neurological damage. Antifreeze is a liquid that prevents a car's radiator from freezing or overheating and is also known as engine coolant. It is water-based but contains liquid alcohols like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and methanol. While propylene glycol is generally considered safe in small amounts, ethylene glycol and methanol are highly toxic and hazardous if ingested.

The human body can be poisoned by a small amount of antifreeze, and the effects can be life-threatening. The first symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can appear 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion, with the most severe symptoms starting about 12 hours after ingestion. Initial symptoms may include an intoxicated feeling, lack of coordination, and confusion. As the body continues to metabolize the antifreeze, it can interfere with kidney, lung, brain, and nervous system function.

Organ damage, including kidney failure and brain damage, can occur 24 to 72 hours after ingestion. The toxic effects of ethylene glycol poisoning are mainly due to its metabolites, glycolic acid, and oxalic acid. These acids can cause metabolic acidosis and lead to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, which can deposit in various organs, including the brain, causing neurological damage.

The central nervous system is affected early in ethylene glycol poisoning, with symptoms such as intoxication, seizures, and coma. Long-term neurological complications may include severe central nervous system manifestations or stroke, which can result in long-term neurological dysfunction.

The treatment for antifreeze poisoning includes stabilizing the patient and using antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol to prevent the formation of toxic metabolites. Hemodialysis is also used to enhance the removal of unmetabolized ethylene glycol and its metabolites from the body.

In summary, antifreeze poisoning can cause neurological damage through the toxic effects of ethylene glycol and its metabolites on the central nervous system. Early and aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent severe and potentially fatal complications.

Antifreeze poisoning can be fatal within 24-36 hours

Antifreeze poisoning can be fatal within 24 to 36 hours. It only takes a small amount of antifreeze to poison the human body and cause life-threatening complications. The liquid, which is used to cool engines, contains hazardous substances like ethylene glycol and methanol. When ingested, these chemicals are quickly absorbed and metabolised by the body, turning into toxic substances that can cause organ damage and life-threatening complications.

The earliest symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can develop between 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion, with the most severe symptoms starting about 12 hours after ingestion. Early symptoms may include an inebriated feeling, lack of coordination, and nausea. As the body continues to break down the antifreeze, the chemical can interfere with kidney, lung, brain, and nervous system function. Organ damage, including kidney failure, can occur within 24 to 72 hours of ingestion.

If left untreated, severe antifreeze poisoning can be fatal within 24 to 36 hours. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else has ingested antifreeze, even if it was a small amount. At the hospital, doctors will closely monitor vital signs and may perform various tests to check chemical levels in the bloodstream and organ function. Treatment may include antidotes, dialysis, oxygen therapy, and breathing support.

In summary, antifreeze poisoning is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. The toxic substances in antifreeze can cause severe organ damage and life-threatening complications within a short period of time. Early symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to 12 hours, with severe symptoms developing about 12 hours after ingestion. Without treatment, antifreeze poisoning can be fatal within 24 to 36 hours.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning

Antifreeze poisoning can occur when someone drinks as little as 1 mL of methanol or 1.5 mL of ethylene glycol. These chemicals are metabolised into toxic chemicals like glycolaldehyde, glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid, formaldehyde, and acetone. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can take up to 12 hours to kick in, and early signs may feel similar to alcohol intoxication.

• Grogginess or drowsiness
• Lack of coordination
• Staggering
• Increased thirst and drinking
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Seizures
• Coma
• Loss of consciousness
• Inability to urinate
• Dehydration
• Increased heart rate
• Increased breathing rate
• Organ damage, including to the kidneys, brain, and liver

If you or someone you know has ingested antifreeze, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, even if the amount ingested was small. The sooner you get help, the better the outcome.

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