Methanol-Related Fatalities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A 5-Year Post-Mortem Multi-Matrix Study.

Area of Science:

• Forensic toxicology
• Public health
• Chemical pathology

Background:

• Methanol poisoning outbreaks persist in Saudi Arabia despite alcohol prohibition, often linked to surrogate alcohols.
• Systematic forensic documentation of methanol-related fatalities in the region is limited.
• This study addresses the need for comprehensive data on methanol deaths in Jeddah.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a post-mortem series of methanol-related deaths in Jeddah.
• To characterize demographic patterns, circumstances, post-mortem interval (PMI), and methanol distribution in biological samples.
• To establish a forensic baseline for methanol fatalities in Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective examination of 34 post-mortem cases with confirmed methanol exposure.
• Quantification of methanol and ethanol using headspace gas chromatography-flame ionization detection.
• Analysis of methanol distribution in blood, urine, vitreous humor, bile, gastric contents, and tissues.

Main Results:

• Decedents were predominantly young-to-middle-aged men (18-73 years, median 34.5).
• Most deaths were accidental, occurring in private residences with a median PMI of 2 days.
• Vitreous humor and solid organs (liver, kidneys) were valuable for methanol detection in decomposed cases.

Conclusions:

• This study provides critical forensic data on methanol fatalities in Saudi Arabia.
• Findings highlight the importance of surveillance and prevention strategies for methanol poisoning.
• Forensic analysis of various biological matrices is essential for accurate case investigation.