Acute Methanol Poisoning

Abstract

General Background: Acute methanol poisoning remains a critical public health issue due to its high lethality and severe neurological consequences. Methanol, a widely used industrial solvent and component of various commercial products, poses significant risks when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Specific Background: The toxic effects of methanol arise primarily from its metabolism into formaldehyde and formic acid, leading to metabolic acidosis, optic nerve damage, and multi-organ failure. Epidemiological data indicate that methanol poisoning contributes significantly to alcohol-related fatalities, with high mortality rates reported globally. Knowledge Gap: Despite advances in toxicological research, early diagnosis and effective therapeutic interventions for methanol poisoning remain challenging. The need for rapid, accessible diagnostic methods and optimized treatment protocols persists. Aims: This review synthesizes contemporary findings on the toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methodologies, and treatment strategies for acute methanol poisoning. Results: The review highlights the importance of prompt recognition and intervention, emphasizing antidotal therapy with ethanol or fomepizole, hemodialysis for toxin elimination, and metabolic acidosis management. Diagnostic challenges, including the differentiation of methanol from ethanol in illicit alcohol products, are discussed. Novelty: This study consolidates recent epidemiological and clinical data, underscoring the critical role of formic acid in methanol toxicity and the potential for novel diagnostic biomarkers. Implications: Improved surveillance, stringent regulatory measures, and enhanced public awareness are essential to reducing methanol poisoning incidents and fatalities. Future research should focus on refining rapid diagnostic tools and optimizing treatment algorithms to improve clinical outcomes.