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Prognosis of Methanol Poisoning in a Developing Setting.
Mohammad Reza Sasani1, Hossein Molavi Vardanjani2, Zahra Mehdipour Namdar3
1Medical Imaging Research Center, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Archives of Iranian Medicine
|April 30, 2024
Summary
Methanol poisoning is deadly. Brain CT scans on admission can identify patients at higher risk of death and longer hospital stays, aiding in better management.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Methanol poisoning presents a significant mortality risk.
- Understanding epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical factors is crucial for effective management.
- This study investigates predictors of outcome in methanol poisoning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key determinants of mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) in methanol poisoning patients.
- To evaluate the association of clinical and paraclinical data with patient outcomes.
- To inform clinical practice regarding the management of methanol poisoning.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cohort study included 123 methanol poisoning patients.
- Data collected included demographics, methanol consumption details, laboratory results, and brain CT scans.
- Multivariable logistic and Ordinary Least Square regressions were used to model determinants of death and LOS.
Main Results:
- Level of consciousness (LOC) and blood pH were significantly associated with mortality.
- Supratentorial edema on brain CT scans was associated with increased length of hospital stay (LOS).
- 34.3% of patients showed abnormalities on their initial brain CT scans.
Conclusions:
- Abnormalities on brain CT scans, particularly supratentorial edema, are linked to poorer outcomes in methanol poisoning.
- Level of consciousness (LOC) is a critical predictor of death.
- Routine brain CT scans upon admission are recommended for methanol poisoning management.
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