Metanolimyrkytyksenä

Metanolimyrkytyksenä, commonly known as methanol poisoning, is a severe toxic condition caused by the ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption of methanol. Methanol, a simple alcohol, is often found as a solvent or in industrial applications, and can be a contaminant in illicitly produced alcoholic beverages. Upon entering the body, methanol is metabolized by the liver into formaldehyde and then formic acid. It is these metabolites, particularly formic acid, that are responsible for the severe toxicity.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be delayed, appearing 12 to 24 hours after exposure. Initial symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, mimicking alcohol intoxication. As the poisoning progresses, more severe neurological symptoms can manifest, such as blurred vision, visual disturbances, seizures, coma, and potentially permanent blindness due to damage to the optic nerve. Metabolic acidosis is a hallmark of methanol poisoning, contributing to respiratory distress and other systemic complications.

Diagnosis relies on a history of exposure and characteristic clinical findings, often supported by laboratory tests measuring methanol levels in the blood or urine, and assessing for metabolic acidosis. Treatment is a medical emergency and primarily involves supportive care and the administration of antidotes. Ethanol or fomepizole can be used to inhibit the metabolism of methanol, preventing the formation of toxic metabolites. In severe cases, hemodialysis may be necessary to remove methanol and its toxic byproducts from the body. Without prompt and appropriate medical intervention, methanol poisoning can be fatal.