Challenges of managing toxic alcohol poisoning in a resource-limited setting. Issue 3 (2nd July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barnard, Ed; Baladurai, S; Badh, T; Nicol, E
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Volume 160:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 245
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2013-07-02
• Subjects: Accident & Emergency medicine -- Toxicology
• DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2013-000117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8665

Abstract

Abstract : We present a series of patients with profound metabolic acidosis admitted to the Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, in 2012. A police service breath alcohol analyser, calculation of the osmolar gap and urine microscopy assisted in diagnosing methanol poisoning. The challenge of diagnosing and managing toxic alcohol poisoning in this resource-limited setting is discussed. We believe this is the first description of using a breath alcohol analyser to assist a diagnosis of methanol poisoning.