Methanolintoxikation: ein Kollateralschaden der COVID-19-Pandemie: Akute und chronische neurologische Komplikationen der Methanolvergiftung

An increasing number of cases of methanol poisoning have been reported in the wake of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. On the one hand, consumption of methanol-contaminated disinfectants or alcoholic beverages are a major cause of acute intoxication. The excessive cleansing of facial masks with methanol-containing substances was shown to be causal for chronic intoxication. Thus, methanol intoxication needs to be suspected in any case of unclear neurological disturbances and detection of severe anion gap metabolic acidosis. Treatment options for methanol poisoning include 4‑methylpyrazol, ethanol, gastric lavage, folic acid and sodium bicarbonate, respectively; hemodialysis is an option for severe cases.