Prevalence of clinical and radiologic features in methanol-poisoned patients with and without COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in methanol-poisoned patients admitted to two toxicology academic centers during the COVID-19 outbreak and determine their clinical features and chest/brain computed tomography (CT) findings. Methods: Methanol-poisoned patients who had been referred during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 by chest CT scans and/or polymerase chain reaction test. Results: A total of 62 patients with confirmed methanol poisoning were enrolled in the study, with a median (interquartile range) age of 35 (28-44) years. Thirty-nine (62.9) survived. Nine (14.5) were diagnosed to have COVID-19, of whom four survived. There was a significant correlation between COVID-19 disease and a history of alcohol consumption (p = 0.036; odds ratio 1.7; 95 confidence interval, 1.3-2.2). Univariate analysis showed significant differences between infected and noninfected patients regarding their urea and time for first and second hemodialysis sessions, as well as the duration of ethanol administration. Conclusions: In conclusion, during the pandemic, specific attention should be paid to patients with a history of alcohol ingestion and elevated creatinine, loss of consciousness, and severe acidosis as these signs/symptoms could be present in both COVID-19 and methanol poisoning, making differentiation between the two challenging.