Paasma et al identified risk factors for a poor outcome in patients with acute methanol poisoning. The authors are from the University of Tartu, Oslo University Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University, CAMU (Tunis) and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Patient selection: acute methanol poisoning
Risk factors for a poor outcome:
(1) low arterial pH (< 7.00)
(2) coma (GCS < 8)
(3) hyperventilation with pCO2 >= 3.1 kPa (inadequate hyperventilation)
Coma
pH
pCO2
Mortality
yes
< 6.74
NA
89%
yes
6.74-6.99
< 3.07 kPa
50%
yes
6.74-6.99
>= 3.08 kPa
83%
no
< 6.74
NA
25%
no
6.74-6.99
NA
10%
no
>= 7.0
NA
5%
Ethanol is a respiratory depressant and its use as an antidote may suppress hyperventilation and worsen metabolic acidosis.
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