ISSN: 2161-0495
+44 1478 350008
Department of Anesthesia, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Kent Ridge, Singapore
Review Article
Approaching Acute Toxic Alcohol Poisoning: A Narrative Review
Author(s): Kevin Tan*, Balakrishnan Ashokka, Lawrence Siu-Chun Law, Elaine Ah-Gi Lo, Dhamodaran Palaniappan and Pankaj Kundra
Objective: Poisoning from toxic alcohols (methanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and isopropanol) occurs
globally and results in significant morbidity and mortality. Consequently, toxic alcohol poisoning requires prompt
diagnosis and management by healthcare workers at the acute presentation. As such, this narrative review aims to
provide a practical approach to diagnosis and management of toxic alcohol poisoning.
Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies and clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis
and management of toxic alcohol poisoning.
Results: The osmolar gap, arterial pH, anion gap and serum alcohol concentrations should be evaluated in suspected
cases of toxic alcohol poisoning. Gastrointestinal decontamination has limited efficacy due to rapid gastrointestinal
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