Methanol Poisoning and Its Treatment

Abstract

<jats:p>Background: Methanol is a toxic alcohol found in illegal liquor, and its poisoning may cause death if not treated timely and properly. In 2018, methanol toxicity in Iran increased dramatically. Regarding the high prevalence of methanol toxicity, its high mortality rate, and the cost of treatment as well as the importance of timely diagnosis in the treatment of this condition, we decided to review methanol toxicity, its signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.Evidence Acquisition: We searched for articles on reliable databases such as Embase and Medline from January 2018 to May 2018 using the following keywords: “methanol,” “toxic alcohol,” and “ethanol toxicity treatment.”Results: This review discusses how to diagnose methanol toxicity by using clinical signs and symptoms and laboratory examinations; it also suggests new treatments. Meanwhile, we provide alternatives for diagnosis in case of shortages of tests in the emergency department.Conclusion: Diagnosis of ethanol toxicity due to non-specific signs and symptoms, late patient’s referral, and lack of proper history-taking can be very difficult and delay the onset of treatment. There is also no clear scientific evidence as to whether ethanol or fomepizole should be used as the first choice of therapy for methanol toxicity because there is no direct comparison between these two antidotes regarding their effectiveness and safety. The appropriate antidote is chosen depending on the availability, cost, accessibility of hemodialysis, and the physician’s experience. If the therapist does not have enough experience, it is easier to use fomepizole.</jats:p>

Homicidal electrocution disguised as an accidental death

“…Still, the only thing different in our case is that there was an element of torture involved after intoxication [24]. In a case reported by Najari F et al describes a homicidal electrocution of an 8‐year‐old boy by his father due to marital issues by tying the toes of both limbs with a wire and connecting it with the current source [25].…”

Acil Servise Başvuran Metil Alkol Zehirlenmelerinin Geriye Dönük Analizi

“…Despite improvements in treatment opportunities, the rates of morbidity and mortality in MP are still high. Because the findings of MP differ from person to person, the diagnosis is established late, thus, the treatment is initiated late, which contributes to increased morbidity and mortality rates (3,4,9). It is of great importance to quickly diagnose and treat this poisoning in EDs.…”

“…In industries, methyl alcohol can be found in cleaning materials, carburetor cleaners, antifreeze, photocopying liquids, chemicals such as paint and wax, glass cleaning solutions, model aircraft fuels, modified cars, alternative fuels, and homemade moonshine (2). It is reported that the use of hand disinfectants and cologne due to the COVID-19 outbreak may cause methyl alcohol poisoning (3). Methyl alcohol poisoning (MP) is an important emergency that can lead to severe morbidity and mortality (4).…”

Evaluation of Substance Abuse Cases Admitted in ICU of Poison Control Center- Ain Shams University Hospitals by Certain Clinical Scoring Systems

“…Several studies pointed to the high mortality rates associated with opioids overdose with respiratory depression as the primary cause (Larochelle et al,2018;Greene et al, 2019). Similarly, methanol toxicity is capable of producing end organ damage primarily due to formic acid formation (Ashurst and Nappe, 2019;Kaewput et al, 2020;Najari et al, 2020).…”