From the Guidelines
Ethyl glycerine should not be used in medical treatments at concentrations that cause significant discomfort or pain, and its usage should be guided by the principle of minimizing local reaction rates while considering the allergen content and volume of the injection. When considering the use of ethyl glycerine in medical treatments, particularly in the context of allergen immunotherapy, it's crucial to understand that glycerin concentrations of up to 50% were not associated with significantly higher local reaction rates, as noted in a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1. However, higher glycerin concentrations are associated with injection pain, which correlates with the total amount of glycerin injected.
Key points to consider for safe usage include:
- Glycerin concentrations should be minimized to reduce injection pain, with concentrations up to 50% not being associated with higher local reaction rates 1.
- The total amount of glycerin injected, rather than its concentration, is a critical factor in determining the likelihood of injection pain.
- Allergen content and the volume of the injection play a more significant role in local reactions than glycerin concentration.
- Prospective studies have shown that pain associated with glycerin increases in proportion to both glycerin concentration and injection volume, suggesting the need for careful consideration of these factors in medical treatments 1.
Given the potential for discomfort and pain associated with higher concentrations and volumes of glycerin, medical professionals should exercise caution and follow guidelines that prioritize patient comfort and safety, such as those advising against administering volumes greater than 0.2 mL of an extract in 50% glycerin. This approach ensures that the benefits of using ethyl glycerine in medical treatments are balanced against the potential risks, particularly in terms of local reactions and patient discomfort.
From the Research
Safe Usage Guidelines for Ethyl Glycerine in Medical Treatments
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question as the provided studies are related to ethylene glycol, not ethyl glycerine.
Related Information on Ethylene Glycol
- Ethylene glycol is a toxic substance that can cause severe health problems if ingested, inhaled, or if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes 2, 3.
- The treatment of ethylene glycol poisoning typically involves the use of antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol to prevent the formation of toxic metabolites 4, 5.
- Fomepizole is a newer agent that has been shown to be effective in treating ethylene glycol poisoning, with advantages over traditional ethanol treatment including lack of depression of the central nervous system and hypoglycemia 4, 5.
- The metabolism of ethylene glycol involves oxidation to mono- and dicarboxylic acids, which can cause metabolic acidosis, nephrotoxicity, and other health problems 6.
Key Considerations for Medical Professionals
- Patients with suspected ethylene glycol poisoning should be referred to an emergency department immediately, regardless of the reported dose 2.
- Decontamination procedures such as gastrointestinal decontamination with ipecac syrup, gastric lavage, or activated charcoal are not recommended, and transportation to an emergency department should not be delayed for any decontamination procedures 2.
- Fomepizole or ethanol therapy should be initiated as soon as possible to prevent the formation of toxic metabolites 4, 5.