PREDICTORS OF POOR OUTCOMES IN ACUTE METHANOL POISONING

Abstract

Background: Methanol is a highly toxic compound. Severe metabolic acidosis, intense neurological and visual affection are the hallmark of toxicity. Despite maximal supportive care, the mortality rate is yet high. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor outcomes in acute methanol poisoning. Methods: In this retrospective study, forty acute methanol poisoned patients were recruited. Data of four years (2017 to 2020) was obtained from Tanta university Poison Control Center (TUPCC) archive. Data of patients’ outcomes were recorded in addition to demographic data, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations results. Results: Out of the 40 enrolled patients, 17 patients had poor outcomes, either death or visual affection, and the remaining 23 patients had completely recovered. A significantly prolonged time elapsed between methanol ingestion and admission in the poor outcome group compared to good outcome one. Likely, the mean GCS, arterial ph, and HCO3 levels were significantly lower in the poor outcome group. Additionally, the poor outcome group noticed a significant increase in total leucocytic count, RBS, ALT, AST, serum creatinine, blood urea, PT, and anion gap. Conclusions: Our study shows that delayed hospital admission and on admission GCS were identified as potential predictive factors of poor outcome in acute methanol poisoning.