Diagnostics of methyl alcohol intoxication: possibilities and prospects

Abstract

Intake of toxic alcohols especially methyl alcohol posses a serious threat to health. Despite relatively low toxicity of methanol (hazard class III), its metabolite formic acid resulting from biotransformation of methyl alcohol by alcohol dehydrogenase is ranked among substances creating a high risk of toxic action. The long period of methanol toxification (~48 hr) makes difficult diagnostics of intoxication and therefore delays provision of emergency medical aid. It imposes high requirements on express diagnostics of methyl alcohol intoxication (Т51.1 ICD-10). The main diagnostic modality - routine evaluation of osmolar and anion gaps, has advantages and disadvantages. Drawbacks of emergency medical aid to the victims of methyl alcohol intoxication necessitates the search for new diagnostic options some of which sre discussed in the present article.