Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in a Filipino Household: A Case Report

Abstract

There are multiple reports already regarding acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the Philippines secondary to the misuse of portable generators, especially during times of typhoons. We present a case of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in a Filipino household wherein our index patient is among the five members who were unconscious before they were rushed to the hospital. Three of the household members, on the other hand, were found dead. The index patient had an increased serum fraction percentage of carboxyhemoglobin level and presented with rhabdomyolysis during admission. Neuroimaging confirmed a hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy secondary to carbon monoxide intoxication. Even without hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient improved with adequate hydration, early rehabilitation, and trauma-focused psychotherapy.

Keywords: acute carbon monoxide poisoning; carbon monoxide; carbon monoxide poisoning; filipino; filipino household; household; poisoning.

Figure 1. MRI axial, cross-sectional view

A) Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), B) apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, C) T1-weighted, D) T2-weighted, E) T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and F) gradient echo (GRE) The red arrows pointing to lesions situated around the bilateral globus pallidus MRI: magnetic resonance imaging