How to Differentiate Causes of Elevated Anion Gap?
In the context of toxicology, differentiating the cause of an elevated anion gap involves careful history taking, clinical examination, and additional laboratory tests. Key considerations include:
History: Assess for exposure to potential toxins or drugs. Clinical signs: Look for symptoms like altered mental status, visual disturbances (methanol), or renal symptoms (ethylene glycol). Specific tests: Measure serum levels of suspected toxins like methanol, ethylene glycol, or salicylates.
