Simultaneous determination of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and 2,3-butylene glycol in human serum and urine by wide-bore column gas chromatography.

A method has been developed for the separation and measurement of ethylene glycol and three other glycols (propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and 2,3-butylene glycol) in biological samples by wide-bore column gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The method used 1,3-propylene glycol (1,3-propanediol) as an internal standard. The method was linear at least from 2 to 1000 micrograms/ml, with a detection limit of 1 microgram/ml. Analytical recoveries were 89-98% for the different concentrations. Precision studies showed coefficients of variation of 1.5-7.7% for the different concentrations. The assay was applied to the analysis of biological samples from two patients who had ingested ethylene glycol and/or other glycols in a suicide attempt.

[Vascular complications of fractures of the pelvis]. / Les complications vasculaires des fractures du bassin.

Fifteen cases of severe fractures of the pelvis associated with vascular complications are reviewed. The operational strategy remains controversial when faced with these life threatening traumatic lesions. The chief cause of mortality of these fractures is subperitoneal or retroperitoneal expanding hematoma, the natural course and evolution of which are presently well known and better explored thanks to modern imaging technology. Early-phase intensive care and intervention radiology are partly responsible for a change in the immediate therapeutic attitude. Nonetheless, in hemorrhagic poly-traumatic patients, surgical treatment is still required and remains a method non devoid of pitfalls.