Description of four cases of death by methanol: the experience of the toxicology and pharmacology laboratory of Moroccan Poison Control Centre

Introduction: Methanol intoxication is a public health problem that mainly affects poor populations in developed and developing countries. Despite all the advanced treatment methods, high mortality rates are still observed due to late admission hospital diagnosis treatment. Many mass poisoning have been described, following misuse of methanol manufacture adulterated alcohol some Eastern European, Asian African countries, resulting several hundred each year. Objective: The objective our study was describe four cases were received by au toxicology pharmacology laboratory Moroccan poison control centre CAPM-LAB. Materiel methods: epidemiological characteristics patients intoxicated dying collective setting described as well results. Ethanol determined whole blood gas chromatography with flame ionisation detector coupled Head speace (CPG-FID-HS). Results: Following consumption (locally prepared alcohol); CAPM-LAB three samples from city El-Hajeb. aged 46, 58 26 years presented visual consciousness disorders vomiting, they average methanolemia 1,34g/l. also another patient Marrakech, 44 years, (three people) alcohol, level 2,52g/l. died result heart failure. Conclusion: can cause fatal intoxication, its easy availability country illegal production alcoholic beverages.