Carbon monoxide poisoning in infants: treatment with hyperbaric oxygen

Since 1974 the United States Air Force has treated more than 300 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Fourteen of the patients treated were younger than 2 years of age. In all but one case, poisoning resulted from a faulty home heating unit; in all but two cases, more than one family member was affected. There was complete recovery in 13 of the 14 infant patients. The pathophysiology, presentation, and clinical management of carbon monoxide poisoning in infants is discussed.