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Methanol poisoning in Tunisia: report of 16 cases

Nozha Brahmi1, Youssef Blel, Nour Abidi

  • 1Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, (CAMU), Tunis, Tunisia. nozha _brahmi@yahoo.fr

Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|September 13, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Methanol poisoning remains a public health issue, with severe outcomes like blindness and death. Early medical consultation and treatment, including hemodialysis, are crucial for managing methanol toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Methanol poisoning poses a significant public health challenge in Tunisia, persisting despite legislative efforts.
  • This study examines a series of methanol poisoning cases admitted to an Intensive Care Unit.

Observation:

  • Sixteen patients (median age 21.5 years) presented with methanol poisoning.
  • Common symptoms included central nervous system effects, gastrointestinal issues, visual disturbances, and severe metabolic acidosis.
  • A significant delay in medical consultation (median 36 hours) was noted, with high median serum methanol levels (1.4 g/L).

Findings:

  • Metabolic acidosis (94%) and visual disturbances (69%) were prevalent.
  • Three patients (19%) died due to coma or shock, requiring mechanical ventilation.
  • Hemodialysis was administered to 69% of patients; optic neuropathy led to irreversible blindness in two cases.
  • Risk factors for visual disturbances included ingested methanol quantity, latent period, acidosis, and serum methanol concentration.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical need for prompt diagnosis and intervention in methanol poisoning cases.
  • Emphasizes the importance of public awareness and accessible medical care to mitigate severe outcomes.
  • Suggests that timely hemodialysis and management of acidosis are vital in preventing irreversible visual impairment.

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