Methanol poisoning in medical intensive care unit.

A series of eight cases of methyl alcohol poisoning resulting from consumption of adulterated alcohol is presented. Most of the patients had blurring of vision followed by coma, metabolic acidosis and hemodynamic unstability (SBP < 90 mmHg) on admission to medical ICU. Early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment lead to successful recovery in five of these patients. Analysis of correlation between clinical and biochemical indicators of severity and indication for various therapeutic interventions are discussed.