METHANOL POISONING;

Abstract

Acute methanol poisoning produces severe metabolic acidosis, increased anionand osmolal gaps. These metabolic disturbances are due to accumulation of formic acid withhas serious neurological sequelae. If renal functions starts deteriorating that is associated withincreased mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce morbidity and mortality. Treatmentinclude infusion of sodium bicarbonate and administration of ethanol orally or parentally to inhibitthe production of formic acid from methanol. Hemodialysis is helpful in removal of methanoland its breakdown products from circulation and also in correcting acidosis. We report thecase of a boy admitted to the emergency room with a history of acute illness, characterized bynausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. Arterial blood gases showed severemetabolic acidosis with high anion gap. He had ingested large quantity of alcohol containingmethanol. The patient was managed with hemodialysis and strong intravenous hydration. Heimproved well and made a full recovery.