Acute kidney failure complicating carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide, albeit common, is rarely associated with renal failure. We report a case of CO-associated kidney failure requiring short-term dialysis.

A 33 year-old male was found unconscious in a bathroom equipped with a propane-gas heater. The duration of exposure to carbon monoxide was unknown. The patient was transported to a regional hyperbaric centre;the carboxyhaemoglobin concentration in the blood on admission was 38.3%. After 60 min of exposure to hyperbaric oxygen, he regained consciousness and was transferred to the toxicology department. Mild rhabdomyolysis with acute kidney failure was diagnosed and despite two subsequent hyperbaric sessions, haemodialysis was necessary.The kidney failure resolved within two weeks, and the patient made a full recovery.Discussion and conclusions. Carbon monoxide mainly affects the central nervous system and the myocardium;renal failure may occur due to rhabdomyolysis and hypoxia. Therefore, all CO-poisoned patients should be closely monitored for their renal function.