Approach Toxic Alcohol Ingestion in the PICU

PICU Doc On Call

Welcome and Episode Introduction

• Hosts: Dr. Pradip Kamat (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University) and Dr. Rahul Damania (Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital)
• Mission: A podcast dedicated to current and aspiring pediatric intensivists, exploring intriguing PICU cases and acute care pediatric management
• Focus of the Episode: Managing toxic alcohol ingestion in the PICU with emphasis on ethanol, methanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol

Case Presentation

• Patient Details: A 7-month-old male presented with accidental ethanol ingestion after his formula was mixed with vodka
• Key Symptoms: Lethargy, uncoordinated movements, decreased activity, and ethanol odor
• Initial Labs & Findings:
• EtOH level: 420 mg/dL.
• Glucose: 50 mg/dL.
• Normal CXR and EKG.
• PICU Presentation: Tachycardic, normotensive, lethargic, with signs of CNS depression
• Initial Management: Dextrose infusion, glucose monitoring, neurological observation, and ruling out complications

Key Learning Points from the Case

• Toxic alcohol ingestion in pediatrics requires rapid stabilization and targeted interventions
• Hypoglycemia and CNS depression are common features of ethanol toxicity in infants
• Management prioritizes glucose correction, airway support, and close neurological monitoring

Deep Dive: Toxic Alcohols in the PICU

1. Ethanol

• Typical Presentation in Infants/Toddlers: Hypotonia, ataxia, coma, hypoglycemia, hypotension, and hypothermia
• Diagnostic Workup:
• Focus on CNS and metabolic effects
• Labs: Glucose, electrolytes, bicarbonate, anion gap, ketones, toxicology screen
• Imaging (head CT) if indicated
• Management: Stabilization, IV dextrose for hypoglycemia, NPO status until alert, and consultation with poison control and social work

2. Methanol

• Sources: Windshield fluids, cleaning agents, moonshine

Clinical Stages:

1. Early: Dizziness, nausea, vomiting (0–6 hours)
2. Latent: Asymptomatic (6–30 hours)
3. Late: Vision disturbances, seizures, respiratory failure (6–72 hours)

• Key Symptoms: “Snowstorm blindness” from retinal toxicity
• Management: Fomepizole, correction of metabolic acidosis, and hemodialysis in severe cases

3. Ethylene Glycol

• Sources: Antifreeze, brake fluids, household cleaners
• Pathophysiology: Metabolism to glycolic acid (acidosis) and oxalic acid (renal failure due to calcium oxalate crystals)
• Red Flags: Hypocalcemia, renal failure, QT prolongation
• Management: Fomepizole, supportive care, and hemodialysis for severe toxicity

4. Propylene Glycol

• Sources: Medications like lorazepam and pentobarbital
• Presentation: High anion gap metabolic acidosis at high doses, with renal and liver dysfunction
• Management: Discontinue offending agent, supportive care, and hemodialysis if severe

5. Isopropyl Alcohol

• Sources: Disinfectants, hand sanitizers
• Presentation: CNS depression, GI irritation, fruity acetone breath, but no metabolic acidosis
• Management: Supportive care; fomepizole and ethanol are ineffective

Key Laboratory Insights

• Osmolar Gap Formula:
• Measured Osmolality - Calculated Osmolality
• A high osmolar gap indicates unmeasured osmoles like toxic alcohols.
• Lactate Gap in Ethylene Glycol: Discrepancy between bedside and lab lactate levels due to glycolate interference

Management Pearls

• Ethanol and Ethylene Glycol: Fomepizole as first-line treatment; hemodialysis for severe cases
• Methanol: Similar approach with additional focus on preventing blindness
• Propylene Glycol: Monitor lactate and renal function, discontinue offending medications
• Isopropyl Alcohol: Supportive care, no acidosis present

Mnemonics for Toxic Alcohols

MEGA GAP:

• Methanol and Ethylene Glycol: Anion Gap Acidosis with elevated Osmolar Gap
• Isopropyl Alcohol: Isolated Osmolar Gap (no acidosis)
• Propylene Glycol: Mimics ethylene glycol with HAGMA at high doses

Takeaway Messages

• Early recognition of toxic alcohol ingestion is critical for successful management
• Differentiate between toxic alcohols using anion gap, osmolar gap, and clinical presentation
• Engage poison control and social work early in the process

Conclusion

• Pediatric toxic alcohol ingestions are rare but potentially life-threatening
• Fomepizole is a cornerstone therapy for methanol and ethylene glycol toxicity
• Supportive care remains essential across all toxic alcohol ingestions

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