An Outbreak of Acute Methyl Alcohol Intoxication

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An outbreak of acute methyl alcohol intoxication occurred in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in March 1977. Twenty-eight young men attended a drinking party and drank methyl alcohol. The amount consumed by each individual ranged from an equivalent of 60-600 ml of pure methanol. Three had prior ethanol ingestion. All 28 became ill 8-36 h after drinking and were hospitalized. The most commonly observed clinical syndromes were acute metabolic acidosis, severe visual impairment and acute pancreatitis. Four died within 72 h after admission to the hospital. All had severe metabolic acidosis and visual impairment and 3 had pancreatitis. Of 24 who recovered, 16 showed no residual complications, 6 had bilateral visual impairment and 2 had difficulty in speech and visual impairment. A 3 mo. follow up examination showed no change in the findings. Coma, seizures and prolonged acidosis were poor prognostic signs. The estimated amount of consumed methanol and the rapidity of the appearance of signs of toxicity following methanol ingestion did not seem to influence the outcome of poisoning. The treatment of acute methyl alcohol intoxication in centers where dialysis is not available is discussed.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: