Authors

Abstract

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.

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