[Acute methanol poisoning among patients of Toxicology Unit, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź, during the period 2000-2009].

The main objective of this study was an analysis of the cohort of patients hospitalized due to intoxication with this agent during the period 2000-2009 and investigate factors, which determined the course of poisoning. During the search process, 288 (1.07%) patients were identified within total number of 26801 patients hospitalized. Within analysed cohort male patients formed majority with 227 males, whereas only 61 females were found within this group. The mean methanol blood concentration was 50.09 mg/dl and ethanol - 292.90 mg/dl. Patients condition on admission varied, the most frequently noted pathologies were consciousseness disturbances and tachycardia, namely the former was recorded in 171 cases (59.4%) whereas the latter in 89 patients (30.90%). 11 patients died within the analysed group and 72 developed single or multiorgan complications in the course of poisoning. The most commonly encountered complication was pneumonia. Features of central nervous system (CNS) damage were found in 20 cases (6.94%). Average concentrations of methanol in the group of the 11 deceased patients were: 158.73 mg/ dl, 20.91 mg/dl for ethanol. The average values of arterial blood gases parameters in this group were pH= 6.98; BE=(-) 22.482; HCO3=9.67 mmol/l. Within the non survivors group such complications as CNS damage, seizures, pneumonia, liver injury and pancreatitis were noted more frequently, with statistical significance. The concentrations of methanol and ethanol in the blood on admission and such ABG parameters as pH, BE, HCO3, pCO2 i pO2 also measured on admission should be considered as the prognostic factors, determining the course of the disease and the outcomes of treatment. Poor prognosis may be associated with such clinical features on admission, as: respiratory and circulatory disturbances and cerebral sequelae.