Aim: In recent years, methanol intoxication has become an increasingly important public health problem, particularly in developing countries affected by economic crises. This study aimed to contribute to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of methanol intoxication cases, identifying prognostic factors associated with mortality, and describing treatment strategies and clinical outcomes.
Study Design: This retrospective study included 54 critically ill adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with methanol intoxication between 2022 and 2025. Patients were stratified into survivor and non-survivor groups. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 52±10 years, and 79.6% were male. The overall mortality rate was 61.1%. More than 15 demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were significantly associated with mortality. Among patients with severe metabolic acidosis, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS-II) and serum lactate level demonstrated the strongest prognostic performance. Among the analyzed parameters, the strongest predictors of mortality were a serum lactate level >4.1 mmol/L, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <13, and SAPS-II >31. Delayed initiation of antidotal therapy and hemodialysis was significantly associated with increased mortality (p=0.004 and p=0.005, respectively).
Conclusions: Methanol intoxication was associated with a high mortality rate in this cohort. Elevated serum lactate levels, lower GCS scores, and higher SAPS-II scores were the most powerful predictors of mortality. Delayed hospital presentation and delays in diagnosis and treatment were associated with poorer clinical outcomes. These findings underscore the critical importance of rapid diagnosis, early initiation of antidotal therapy, timely extracorporeal treatment, and increased awareness of methanol intoxication among healthcare professionals and the general public.