What are the symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning?

• A. Only neurological symptoms.
• B. Hyperthermia and dehydration.
• C. Asymptomatic.
• D. Intoxication, vomiting, metabolic acidosis, cardiovascular dysfunction, and acute kidney failure.

Answer: (D)

Ethylene glycol poisoning produces widespread organ damage because it is converted in the body into acidic metabolites that disrupt multiple systems. The initial effect is central nervous system depression, so symptoms can resemble intoxication. As metabolism continues, glycolic and other acids accumulate, causing a significant metabolic acidosis that often comes with vomiting. The toxins also stress the cardiovascular system, leading to instability such as hypotension or arrhythmias. In the kidneys, oxalate crystals can form and damage renal tubules, resulting in acute kidney failure. Taken together, the triad of intoxication, vomiting, metabolic acidosis, cardiovascular dysfunction, and acute kidney injury best captures the full clinical picture, whereas the other options describe only a subset of possible findings or mischaracterize the presentation.