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Prognostic factors in methanol poisoning
H Hassanian-Moghaddam1, A Pajoumand, S M Dadgar
1Poison Control Center, Loghman-Hakim Hospital, School of Medicine, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, Iran. hassanian@sbmu.ac.ir
Human & Experimental Toxicology
|September 22, 2007
Summary
Prognosis in methanol poisoning is poor with coma, low pH, and delayed treatment. Early presentation and ethanol co-ingestion improve outcomes, while opium worsens them.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Clinical Medicine
- Prognostic Studies
Background:
- Methanol poisoning poses significant health risks with variable outcomes.
- Identifying prognostic factors is crucial for effective clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate clinical and laboratory predictors of prognosis in methanol-intoxicated patients.
- To determine factors associated with mortality and long-term sequelae.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional study conducted over 9 months.
- Involved 25 methanol-poisoned patients admitted to a hospital poison center.
- Clinical data and laboratory results, including arterial blood gas (pH), were analyzed.
Main Results:
- High mortality rate (48%) and significant morbidity (23% blindness among survivors).
- Coma on admission (90% mortality) and low initial pH (mean 6.82) were associated with increased mortality.
- Delayed presentation (>24 hours) significantly worsened prognosis.
- Ethanol co-ingestion showed a favorable effect, while opium worsened outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Poor prognosis in methanol poisoning is linked to coma, severe acidosis (pH<7), and delayed emergency department presentation.
- Early intervention and careful consideration of co-ingestants are vital for improving patient outcomes.
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