A comparison of two types of acute carbon monoxide poisoning

In 47 patients treated at the Toxicological Clinic in Krakow for coal stove-gas poisoning, the aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, LDH1 isoenzyme activities, and the lactate level were studied. Findings were compared with those of earlier investigations carried out on a group of patients poisoned by lighting gas; qualitatively changes in both groups were similar. The biochemical parameters studied aided in quantitative evaluation of the patients' condition: a threefold increase in lactate level on admission to the hospital and a likewise threefold increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity after 24 hrs of treatment are indications of severe poisoning.