Biochemical issues in emergency medicine: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations of selected toxic presentations.

Understanding biochemical concepts can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of certain presentations in the emergency department. Knowledge of the biochemistry responsible for certain presentations in the emergency department as well as behind various therapies also provides physicians better insight into the use of specific treatments. This review will focus on the biochemistry of numerous clinical syndromes, including methemoglobinemia, various poisoning presentations, including cyanide, methanol, and ethylene glycol--with an emphasis on the diagnostic and management considerations in these presentations.