ETHYLENE GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE) It was a case that had doctors and law enforcement in the small town of...
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Transcript of ETHYLENE GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE) It was a case that had doctors and law enforcement in the small town of...
ETHYLENE GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE)
It was a case that had doctors and law enforcement in the small
town of Perry, Okla. puzzled. What killed 53 year-old Carol Hellar?
DETECTION
According to the thousands of pages of information,
Hellar’s only symptom that was inconsistent with a reaction
to her medication was kidney failure. The records showed
throughout her illness that Hellar had a steady decline in
kidney function. At autopsy, significant levels of calcium
oxalate crystals were found in her kidneys and brain, which
could only be present as a result of a genetic disorder or
ingestion of ethylene glycol, commonly known as antifreeze.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, convulsions,
stupor, or even coma.
HISTORY
Ethylene glycol-an organic compound widely
used as an automotive antifreeze and a precursor
to polymers.
“The interesting thing about ethylene glycol
poisoning is that the symptoms can easily mirror those
of an overdose of lithium and other prescribed psychoactive
medications – which is what kept her doctors off balance,”
Poklis said. “Poisoning from ethylene glycol is usually
accidental, or the result of an attempted suicide.”
LASTING EFFECTS
In its pure form, it is an odorless, colorless,
syrupy, sweet-tasting liquid. It is found in many
household items like detergents, paints, and
cosmetics. Ethylene glycol is toxic, and
ingestion can result in death. The end result is
kidney failure, among other things like damage
to the brain, lungs, liver, and lungs.
CURE
Most people with ethylene glycol poisoning will need
to be admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit
(ICU) for close monitoring, and may need a breathing
machine (respirator).
Those who recently swallowed the ethylene glycol
may have their stomach pumped (suctioned). This can
help remove some of the poison.
The first symptom of ethylene glycol ingestion is similar to the feeling caused by intensely drinking alcohol followed by death.
WASTED
RESOURCES
http://
www.news.vcu.edu/news/VCU_forensic_toxicologist
s
https://
health.google.com/health/ref/Ethylene+glycol+intoxi
cation