Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Alcoholic ketoacidosis is characterized by a metabolic acidosis with an elevated anion gap. It generally is seen in the chronic alcoholic patient who has recently gone on a "binge" that was terminated because of complaints such as nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. ⋯ Treatment includes volume repletion and glucose administration. Morbidity and mortality usually result from intercurrent illness.
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Acute alcohol intoxication is a commonly encountered clinical presentation in Emergency Medicine. Its role should be considered in many Emergency Department presentations, specifically in major and minor trauma, and in gastrointestinal, metabolic, neurologic, and psychiatric disorders. ⋯ Management of intoxicated patients is generally supportive although complications of chronic alcoholism should be considered. Management should consist of correction of complications resultant from intoxication, as well as observation and the provision of a safe environment for the patient during the recovery phase of acute intoxication.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Nov 1990
ReviewThe other alcohols. Methanol, ethylene glycol, and isopropanol.
The alcoholic patient, in an attempt to maintain an altered mental status, may ingest ethanol substitutes containing methanol, ethylene glycol, or isopropanol. The subsequent clinical presentation in the Emergency Department is highly variable and depends on the ethanol substitute ingested, the time since ingestion, and concomitant ethanol abuse. ⋯ Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention may prevent irreversible sequelae. The rationale for treatment interventions is discussed.