OBJECTIVETo analyze the treatment of 42 patients with acute methanol poisoning because of drinking alcohol containing methanol.

METHODSClinical data of 42 cases of methanol poisoning were collected and analyzed. Methanol concentration in drinking alcohol and blood was determined by gas chromatography (GC). National standard for occupational medicine (GBZ53-2002) was used to diagnose the cases.

RESULTSThe methanol concentration in the alcohol was 16% approximately 46%. 42 Patients (40 males, 2 females), at age of 46.1 (22 approximately 80), took 588.1 ml (50 approximately 2,000 ml) of the alcohol. The average methanol concentration in blood was 1.61 mmol/L (0.03 approximately 23.60 mmol/L). According to clinical diagnosis, there were 17 observed cases, 9 mild acute toxication, and 16 severe acute toxication. Among them, 35 (83.3%) patients were recovered, 2 (4.8%) blind, 4 (9.5%) with neuropsychic sequela and 1 (2.4%) dead after adopting 8 cure measures.

CONCLUSIONTo start using emergency plan for public health events suddenly happened, designate a special treatment hospital, clear blood methanol as soon as possible, correct acidosis, adequately administer folacin and hormone, protect optic nerve and retina, and take comprehensive symptomatic treatment as well as strict monitoring are the keys of clinical cure.