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Carbon monoxide poisoning and hyperbaric oxygen therapy
E Durmaz1, S Laurence, P Roden
1Royal Preston Hospital.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|March 11, 2000
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) treats carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, a common fatal poisoning cause. This study reviews HBO treatment for 82 patients, highlighting its underuse and efficacy in reducing serious CO poisoning complications.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in the UK.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is an underutilized treatment for CO poisoning.
- Established criteria guide HBO treatment for CO poisoning patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO).
- To analyze patient demographics and causes of CO poisoning treated with HBO.
- To evaluate treatment protocols and outcomes for CO poisoning.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 82 patients treated with HBO for CO poisoning over a 5-year period.
- Inclusion criteria for HBO treatment were based on neurological deficits, consciousness, cardiovascular status, and symptom response.
- Patients received varying levels of care, from walking in to requiring mechanical ventilation.
Main Results:
- 57% of CO poisoning cases were due to self-poisoning; other causes included house fires and faulty appliances.
- 13 patients required mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic monitoring.
- Recent trends show increased re-treatment within 24 hours to enhance efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a crucial, though underused, treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Multi-dose HBO treatment within the first 24 hours may improve outcomes and reduce sequelae.
- Further research into optimal HBO protocols for CO poisoning is warranted.