In cases of suspected ethylene glycol intoxication, which result is likely to be abnormal?

In the context of suspected ethylene glycol intoxication, arterial blood gases are likely to show abnormalities. Ethylene glycol metabolism leads to the production of glycolic acid and oxalic acid, which are acidic substances. The accumulation of these metabolites can result in metabolic acidosis, characterized by decreased blood pH and decreased bicarbonate levels reflected in arterial blood gases. This metabolic acidosis is a key indicator of ethylene glycol poisoning and is crucial for diagnosis and management.

While ethylene glycol can influence other parameters, such as lactate levels due to hypoperfusion or impaired metabolism, the most direct and distinctive abnormality in this scenario is found in the arterial blood gases due to the acid-base disturbance. Urinary ketones and glucose levels generally remain normal in ethylene glycol poisoning; urinary ketones would more commonly be elevated in instances of diabetic ketoacidosis rather than in this context.