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[Methanol poisoning in Norway 2002].
Odd Helge Hunderi1, Knut Erik Hovda, Bastian Lie
1Nyreseksjonen, Medisinsk avdeling, Sykehuset Østfold Fredrikstad, 1603 Fredrikstad. hunderi@online.no
Summary
Methanol poisoning outbreaks are rare in Norway. This study details 33 cases of methanol poisoning from smuggled spirits, emphasizing the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Methanol poisoning is uncommon in Norway.
- A 2002 outbreak involved smuggled spirits containing approximately 20% methanol.
- 33 patients were admitted to the hospital for methanol poisoning.
Purpose:
- To present epidemiological and clinical data from a methanol poisoning outbreak.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes.
Summary:
- Patients experienced a latency period of 12-72 hours before symptoms like visual disturbances and dyspnea appeared.
- Diagnosis relied on anamnesis, clinical presentation, and laboratory findings, including anion and osmolal gaps.
- Treatment involved fomepizole (antidote) in 23 cases and dialysis in 24 cases.
- Outcomes included 15% hospital mortality and permanent visual/cerebral damage in some survivors.
Impact:
- The 20% methanol-ethanol mixture prolonged methanol metabolism, increasing latency and complicating diagnosis.
- Rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing methanol poisoning.
- This outbreak underscores the public health risks associated with contaminated illicit alcohol.