Experts explain that the symptoms of intoxication can be delayed and strengthen the importance of treatment
Cases of poisoning from methanol They raised several doubts about the effects of the substance on the body. One of these problems refers to the time when the symptoms lead to manifesting.
According to Patrícia Mello, intensive care and president of Brazilian Intensive Medicine Association (AMIB), the symptoms usually appear between 12 hours and 24 hours after the consumption of the substance, but in some situations they can take up to 90 hours.
“Usually, in serious poisoning, the person already has a headache and visual symptoms for 12 hours. When these signs require time to appear, it is usually a lighter poisoning,” he explains.
The doctor underlines that, although the speed is indicative of gravity, it is not possible to predict the effects of contamination and it is necessary to consult the doctor as soon as possible to start the treatment.
Yuri de Albuquerque, director of the intensive medicine of Afya Whitebook, adds that the cases in which the symptoms are subsequently observed when small quantities are ingestion, in people with slower metabolism or when there is a simultaneous consumption of ethanol, which reduces the impacts of the substance.
“The reference to a maximum of 90 hours is used as a safety margin, strengthening that asymptomatic patients in the first 24 hours should remain under observation,” he says.
“The most important thing is to recognize the risk in advance and start a specific treatment before the neurological and visual symptoms arise, which can be irreversible,” he adds.
Among the possible sequences, Patricia mentions Parkinsonism, in which the patient has motor symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremor and muscle rigidity.
“Quick cure is very important. If the patient needs hemodialysis to remove methanol from the body, for example, before he has access to this type of treatment, less the possibility of having sequences and risk of death,” he underlines.
Why don’t the symptoms appear immediately?
You More serious symptoms Contamination requires time to appear because they depend on the metabolization of methanol in the body.
Experts explain that it is not the substance itself that causes damage to health. The toxicity is caused by formic acid, which is formed by the metabolization of methanol by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase.
“The formic acid interferes with cellular metabolism and compromises the production of energy, Particularly influencing tissui very dependent on oxygen consumption, such as the optical nerve and the retina. This process takes time: methanol must be converted and its metabolites must accumulate in the body until it reaches toxic levels, “explains Albuquerque.
“Therefore, there is a latent phase, a interval from 12 to 24 hours between the ingestion and the beginning of serious clinical manifestations. During this period, the patient can have non -specific symptoms such as headache, nausea and dizziness without evident neurological signs”, he continues.
Patricia also stresses that antidotes, ethanol and hunger, act precisely for the connection with the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, a process called competitive antagonism. As they connect with the enzyme, they inhibit their activity and prevent metabolized in methanol, preventing that they convert into formic acid. This is the reason why it is important to run for the service units.
What to do in case of suspicion?
Given recent cases, Amib has published a Technical note with guidelines for professionals who work in intensive care units (Icus).
The first step, according to the president of the association, is to ask the patient to take care of the drink consumed, to refer to the analysis and to ask if other people who have also drinking the liquid have similar symptoms.
“The second step, once confirmed the possibility of methanol poisoning, is to take initial care: to hydrate, see blood pressure tests and solicit the electrolytes, the renal and liver function, as well as specific exams, which confirm or remove the suspicion”, explains Patricia.
Marcus Gaz, cardiologist and medical director of the advanced units of the Einstein Israelite hospital, mentions that the dosage of methanol, both in the blood and in the urine, takes days to be ready, both in public and private service.
“So it is not something that helps to make the diagnosis abruptly. What will help, in addition to a well -made anamnesis and a good physical examination, are more common laboratory tests, such as gasimetry, which can control blood acidosis and help to suspect contamination,” he says. Gasimetry is a blood test that measures the quantity of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body and check if the blood is balanced in relation to acidity.
Treatment with antidotes should also be started quickly to prevent the formation of formic acid and prevent its effects.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
