Review Article

The Role of Renal Replacement Therapy in the Management of Pharmacologic Poisonings

Table 2

The features of toxic alcohol poisonings.

Type of toxic alcoholCore clinical featuresCore laboratory featuresGeneral principles of treatmentIndications for RRT

MethanolCNS depression
AMS
Seizures
Visual changes/retinal toxicity
Hemodynamic instability
HAGMA
High osmolal gap
Elevated lactic acid (formic acid mediated inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport chain)
Supportive care
Fomepizole
Ethanol (if fomepizole is unavailable)
Folic acid or folinic acid
pH < 7.3
Methanol level > 50 mg/dL
Visual changes
AKI
Severe electrolyte derangements
Hemodynamic instability and progression despite appropriate care

Ethylene glycolCNS depression
AMS
Seizures
AKI
Calcium oxaluria
HAGMA
High osmolal gap
Hypocalcemia
Electrolyte abnormalities
AKI
Calcium oxalate crystals in the urine
Falsely elevated lactic acid (glycolic acid can be mistaken for lactic acid)
Supportive care
Fomepizole
Ethanol (if fomepizole is unavailable)
Thiamine
Pyridoxine
pH < 7.3
Ethylene glycol level > 50 mg/dL
Glycolic acid level > 8 mmol/L
Refractory hyperosmolarity
AKI
Severe electrolyte derangements
Hemodynamic instability and progression despite appropriate care

Diethylene glycolCNS depression
AMS
Seizures
AKI
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy
HAGMA
High osmolal gap
Elevated liver enzymes
Supportive care
Fomepizole
Ethanol (if fomepizole is unavailable)
Thiamine
Pyridoxine
Hemodynamic instability and progression despite appropriate care
Persistent HAGMA

Isopropyl alcoholCNS depression
AMS
Hemodynamic instability in advanced cases
High osmolal gap
Increased ketones in the blood and urine
Absence of HAGMA
Falsely elevated creatinine (due to acetone cross reactivity)
Supportive care
Fomepizole
Ethanol (if fomepizole is unavailable)
Hemodynamic instability and progression despite appropriate care
Isopropyl alcohol level > 4000 mg/dL

CNS: central nervous system.
AMS: altered mental status.
HAGMA: high anion gap metabolic acidosis.
AKI: acute kidney injury.