Methanol Poisoning and Its Clinical Complications During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in the consumption of beverages containing methanol, as individuals have erroneously surmised that the ingestion of alcohol could potentially serve as a protective measure against the virus. Objectives: The aim of this systematic study was to investigate methanol toxicity and its clinical complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A comprehensive search for sources was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, as well as Iranian databases such as Magiran, Iran Doc, and SID. The search spanned from December 2019 to November 2022. The inclusion criteria for this review specified cross-sectional studies that examined the prevalence of methanol toxicity and its complications during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. Methodological quality was assessed for each study included in the review. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the consumption of alcohol, including ethanol and methanol, increased. Men were more likely to consume alcohol compared to women, and a higher number of deaths were reported among young individuals. Visual impairment emerged as one of the most common complications of methanol poisoning, with an increase in its incidence during the disease outbreak. Conclusions: Given the growing concerns about methanol poisoning, enhancing public awareness could significantly reduce both the prevalence of clinical complications and mortality rates. Therefore, it is recommended that greater emphasis be placed on improving education and raising awareness about methanol poisoning within Iran.