[Good results of 100% oxygen treatment for acute carbon monoxide poisoning; temporarily no indication for hyperbaric oxygenation]

Abstract

Objective: To describe the complications in patients with acute carbon monoxide intoxication, if treated with 100% instead of hyperbaric oxygen.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Patients: Thirty-three patients with acute-carbon monoxide intoxication admitted to the medical Intensive Care Unit of Leiden University Hospital.

Results: The mean carbon monoxide level of all patients was 29.4%. Ten patients had a carbon monoxide level above 40%. Seven patients (21%) were in coma on admission. Most complications occurred in the latter group. All patients were treated with normobaric 100% oxygen. Recovery was usually rapid. No patient showed neurological deficits at discharge.

Conclusion: The short-term prognosis of patients with acute carbon monoxide intoxication is good, even if they are not treated with hyperbaric oxygen. There is still inconclusive evidence from the literature that hyperbaric oxygen improves the prognosis in these patients.