Methanol poisoning : case reports and literature review

Abstract EN

Acute methanol poisoning produces severe metabolic acidosis, increased anion and osmol gaps.

These metabolic disturbances are chiefly due to accumulation of formic acid which can lead to serious neurological sequelae.

If renal dysfunction develops then rapid deterioration and increased mortality can occur.

Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Treatment includes infusion of sodium bicarbonate and administration of ethanol parenterally or orally to inhibit the production of formic acid form methanol.

Haemodialysis helps the removal of methanol and formic acid from circulation and also corrects the acidosis.

Two cases of methanol poisoning are described.

Both patients took a mixture of methanol and ethanol in different amount with different outcomes.