Methanol poisoning during COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter study of northern Iran

During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Iran experienced the largest methanol mass poisoning outbreak in the history. Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of Methanol Poisoning (MP), mortality rates remain high. In light of the geographical location and increased travel to this northern province, coupled with the rising consumption of illicit and homemade alcoholic beverages and the associated incidence of methanol poisoning, we undertook an analysis of the demographic characteristics, diagnostic procedures, and treatment approaches among patients hospitalized in five designated hospitals within the region. The data collection period for this study spanned from March 2020 to September 2021. This retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study is a multicenter study in the western part of Mazandaran province over the initial 18 months of the pandemic to provide a more comprehensive view on MP patients. The diagnosis was based on several factors, including a history of alcohol consumption, visual impairment, altered level of consciousness, and the presence of metabolic acidosis in laboratory tests. The study included 82 patients diagnosed with MP, comprising 74 males (90.2%) and 8 females (9.8%), with an average age of 38.20 ± 13.9 years. The majorities (76.8%) resided in urban areas, and most were self-employed. Blurred vision and metabolic acidosis were observed in the majority of the patients. Oral ethanol and dialysis were the primary treatment employed for our patients. Visual complications and severe metabolic acidosis are commonly linked to poor outcomes in MP. A comprehensive analysis of MP patients revealed no significant correlation between treatment type, patient demographics, and outcomes, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of this condition.