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Methanol Poisoning: Factors Associated with Neurologic Complications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Todd J. Anderson ,
Ashfaq Shuaib  and
Werner J. Becker
Todd J. Anderson
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary
Ashfaq Shuaib
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary
Werner J. Becker*
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary
*
Calgary General Hospital, M4-022, 841 Centre Ave. E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 0A1
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Abstract:

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Hospital records of thirty patients with methanol poisoning were studied. Neurologic manifestations at presentation including coma, seizures and decreased visual acuity were seen in nineteen patients. The mean blood pH at presentation was significantly lower in the patients with these neurologic signs and symptoms than in the eleven patients without them (p < 0.05). Methanol levels at presentation tended to be higher in patients with neurologic manifestations at presentation and these patients tended to present later after methanol ingestion than those patients without neurologic manifestations. Fifteen patients with methanol poisoning developed serious neurologic sequelae or died. The mean blood pH was significantly lower in this patient group than in those who survived without neurologic sequelae (p < 0.05). Methanol levels at presentation were not different in the patients who developed neurologic sequelae or died as compared to those who did not. The time from ingestion of methanol to presentation at the hospital was however significantly longer in those patients who developed neurologic sequelae or died (p < 0.05). Initiation of treatment within eight hours of ingestion of methanol was associated with a better clinical outcome.

Résumé:

RÉSUMÉ:

Nous avons étudié les cas de trente patients ayant subi un empoisonnement au méthanol. Dix-neuf patients présentaient des manifestations neurologiques à la consultation initiale, incluant le coma, les convulsions et une diminution de l'acuité visuelle. Le pH sanguin moyen au moment de la consultation initiale était significativement plus bas chez les patients qui présentaient ces signes et ces symptômes neurologiques que chez les onze patients chez qui ils étaient absents (p<0.05). Les taux de méthanol au moment de la consultation initiale avaient tendance à être plus hauts chez les patients qui présentaient des manifestations neurologiques au moment de la consultation et ces patients en général avaient consulté plus tardivement après l'ingestion de méthanol que les patients qui ne présentaient pas de manifestation neurologique.

Quinze patients ayant subi un empoisonnement au méthanol ont développé des séquelles neurologiques sérieuses ou sont décédés. Le pH sanguin moyen était significativement plus bas dans ce groupe de patients comparé à celui des patients qui ont survécu sans séquelle neurologique (p<0.05). Les niveaux de méthanol au moment de la consultation n'étaient pas différents chez les patients qui ont développé des séquelles neurologiques ou qui sont décédés comparativement à ceux qui s'en sont tirés indemnes. Cependant, le laps de temps écoulé entre l'ingestion de méthanol et la moment de la consultation à l'hôpital était significativement plus long chez les patients qui ont développé des séquelles neurologiques ou qui sont décédés (p<0.05). L'institution du traitement en dedans de huit heures de l'ingestion du méthanol était associée à une meilleure évolution clinique.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 16 , Issue 4 , November 1989 , pp. 432 - 435
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1989

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