Severe methanol poisoning in Pediatrics: A case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61997/bjm.v14i1.447Keywords:
Methanol, Poisoning, Alcoholic intoxication, Toxicity test, ToxicityAbstract
Introduction: Methanol is a toxic alcohol found in various domestic and industrial agents; exposure to methanol is extremely hazardous with significant morbidity and mortality. Poisoning due to accidental or intentional ingestion and epidemic cases due to distillation, fermentation, and beverage contamination errors have been reported. Management is based on antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol, and renal replacement therapy is indicated. Clinical case: A 12-year-old male suspected of 70% alcohol ingestion, 19 hours of evolution, presents with visual manifestations (mydriasis, papilledema, little reaction to light), neurological deterioration, severe metabolic acidosis with elevated Anion Gap and acute kidney injury. Management with ethanol, mechanical ventilation and peritoneal dialysis. A positive report for methanol is obtained in blood and urine tests. Despite of the intensive management, adverse clinical outcome is reported, with demise secondary to multiple organ failure, 64 hours after ingestion. Conclusion: The outcome of this case with severe manifestations of methanol poisoning is in accordance with what is reported in the literature. Delays derived from the process of determination of the substance, transfer time and timely management determine the clinical result. The author recommends taking samples for toxicology as a priority in any case with clinical suspicion of methanol poisoning; the availability of fomepizole for the adequate and timely administration of the antidote could reduce the risk of death.
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