Differential Diagnosis of Alcohol Poisoning
*Metabolic acidosis with an increased gap may occur due to production of lactic acid or hypoglycemia(ketones)
- All are commonly used as an ethanol substitute.
- All are initially metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH).
- Blood levels of each alcohol - is the most specific test!
Key Clues
- Alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol look similar except fruity breath!
- Isopropyl alcohol can be distinguished from Methanol and ethylene glycol because of the absence of anion gap metabolic acidosis!
- Fluorescence of the urine under Wood’s lamp suggests ethylene glycol because of fluorescein, a component of antifreeze.
Download the Alcohol Poisoning CheatSheet!
Add comment