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Prognostic factors in patients with methanol poisoning
J J Liu1, M R Daya, O Carrasquillo
1Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN 55906, USA. liu.julia@mayo.edu
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|July 10, 1998
Summary
Methanol poisoning is deadly, with coma, seizures, and low pH indicating poor prognosis. Early treatment and lower methanol levels improve survival rates in methanol poisoning patients.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Methanol poisoning presents a significant clinical challenge with high mortality and morbidity.
- Identifying prognostic factors is crucial for effective management and improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prognostic factors in methanol poisoning.
- To determine the effect of medical interventions on clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 50 patients treated for methanol poisoning between 1982-1992.
- Abstracted data included presenting history, physical examination, laboratory results, interventions, and outcomes.
- Hemodialysis outcomes were specifically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mortality rate was 36% (18/50); 22% of survivors had visual sequelae.
- Coma or seizure on presentation (84% mortality) and arterial pH < 7 (89% mortality) were strong predictors of poor outcome.
- Higher initial methanol concentrations were observed in non-survivors (83 vs 41 mmol/L).
Conclusions:
- Coma, seizures, and severe metabolic acidosis (arterial pH < 7) are poor prognostic indicators in methanol poisoning.
- Lower methanol concentrations at presentation are associated with survival.
- Prolonged acidosis correlated with persistent visual sequelae in survivors.