title: [Methanol poisoning in Norway 2002].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Norway methanol poisoning is rare. During the last four months of 2002, smuggled spirits containing about 20% methanol was distributed and ingested.
  
  
  METHODS
  Epidemiological and clinical data concerning 33 patients admitted to hospital with methanol poisoning are presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a latency period of 12 to 72 hours, clinical features developed; visual disturbances and dyspnoea were particularly common. Diagnosis was based upon the anamnesis and clinical and laboratory findings. Calculation of anion gaps and osmolal gaps, were important diagnostic tools. Fomepizole was used as an antidote in 23 cases; 24 were dialysed. 28 patients were discharged, four of whom with permanent visual disturbances and signs of cerebral damage. Hospital mortality was 15% (five patients); eight patients died outside hospital with a post-mortem diagnosis of methanol poisoning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rapid diagnosis and treatment is mandatory in cases of methanol poisoning. The mixture of 20% methanol in ethanol resulted in a temporary block of methanol metabolism. The latency period therefore increased, leading to diagnostic problems.
authors.affiliation: Nyreseksjonen, Medisinsk avdeling, Sykehuset Østfold Fredrikstad, 1603 Fredrikstad. hunderi@online.no
authors.forename: Odd Helge
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Hunderi
authors.forename: Knut Erik
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Hovda
authors.forename: Bastian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lie
authors.forename: Steinar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Listerud
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hartmann
authors.forename: Dag
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jacobsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000432:Methanol / Q000506:poisoning*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000432:Methanol