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Recently, cases of antifreeze poisoning in companion animals, particularly cats, have surged in the Republic of Korea. Ethylene glycol (EG), the toxic primary component of antifreeze, is metabolized into glycolic acid (GA), leading to severe metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and death. Traditional detection methods, although effective, are often time-consuming owing to complex sample preparation. This study involved a novel analytical method utilizing GC-MS for EG and LC-MS/MS for GA detection, which streamlined the detection process by eliminating the need for derivatization. The method was validated for accuracy and reliability, enabling the rapid and precise identification of EG and GA in biological samples. This study also included the successful application of this method in a case where initial exposure to antifreeze was not apparent, which highlighted the effectiveness of this method in diagnosing poisoning even in cases where clinical history is unclear. The development of this rapid diagnostic approach addresses the urgent need for the efficient detection of antifreeze poisoning, improving animal welfare and supporting forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study reported the case of a 35-year-old male that presented with antifreeze poisoning. The clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and treatments were analyzed, and the obtained results were compared with those in previous reports. Subsequent to consuming antifreeze, the patient mainly presented nausea and agitation, without disturbance of consciousness. Laboratory investigations indicated severe metabolic acidosis, renal dysfunction and hyperkalemia. The patient underwent hemodialysis and his condition was significantly improved on the day of admission. Renal function gradually deteriorated, but was eventually improved due to treatment, including hemodialysis, mannitol for catharsis, furosemide for diuresis, Xuebijing for the removal of blood stasis and detoxication, and reduced glutathione for the protection of major organs. The patient was discharged 1 month after hospital admission. In conclusion, the significance and clinical manifestations of antifreeze poisoning should be identified in clinical practice, and active hemodialysis should be provided. The aim of the current study was to summarize the clinical manifestations and treatments of patients with antifreeze poisoning, and to advance the recognition of antifreeze poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Legislation requiring bittering of antifreeze enables assessment of the impact on frequency, volume, and severity of pediatric antifreeze ingestions. Methods. US poison control data for antifreeze ingestions in children younger than 5 years were analyzed comparing 232 ingestions occurring in states after enactment of bittering requirements with 6218 cases occurring in states (or at times) where bittering was not required. Results. The frequency of pediatric antifreeze ingestions was unchanged after implementation of bittering in Oregon and California. The medical outcome distribution, median volume ingested, and observed clinical effects were no different in bittered compared with nonbittered groups. Likewise, the rates of hospital admission, critical care treatment, and use of alkalinization, hemodialysis, or intubation showed no differences with bittering. Conclusion. Despite the appealing logic of limiting the ingested volume and thereby the severity of poisonings by adding aversive agents, and despite promising results in volunteer studies, bittering agents do not decrease the frequency or severity of pediatric antifreeze poisonings. The addition of bittering agents to household products cannot be justified based on actual poisoning data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Legislation requiring the addition of bittering agents to antifreeze enables assessment of the impact on frequency, volume and severity of suicidal antifreeze ingestions. Methods. U.S. poison control data were analyzed comparing 130 suicidal antifreeze ingestions occurring in two states after enactment of bittering requirements with 3,493 cases occurring in states (or at times) where bittering was not required. Results. The frequency of suicidal antifreeze ingestions was unchanged after implementation of bittering. The volume implicated, medical outcome distribution, and use of antidotes, hemodialysis, intubation, or critical care, showed no significant difference between bittered and non-bittered groups. Bittering was not a significant contributor (positively or negatively) in predicting lethal or life-threatening medical outcomes. Conclusion. The addition of bittering agents to antifreeze for the purpose of limiting the frequency or severity of suicidal ingestions could not be justified using U.S. poison control data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]