![]() Firstly, poisoning is largely from domestic heating (compare with fire or suicide) and is diagnosed (and treatment given) sometimes in the absence of any significant elevation of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). The US case fatality of less than 5% for a poisoning that is highly lethal in most other countries may reflect several factors. Notably, in the US, there appears to be quite a different pattern, with extremely large numbers of patients diagnosed but a relatively low death rate for example, it was estimated that there were 1,000 to 2,000 accidental deaths due to CO exposure each year, resulting from an estimated 50,000 annual exposures. ![]() It is clear that the epidemiology is driven by the source of CO and the diagnostic definitions applied. Exposure is most commonly from car exhaust (unleaded petrol cars produce about one tenth the amount of CO of older cars), faulty heaters, fires, and industrial accidents. Major breakthroughs are likely to require further research on this and other treatments that may inhibit post-hypoxic inflammatory responses and apoptosis.Ĭarbon monoxide (CO) results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances and is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. More logical and promising potential antidotes have been under-researched, although recently both animal and small human studies suggest that erythropoietin may reduce S100B and prevent neurological sequelae. Yet it is apparent that clinical trials show little evidence for benefit from hyperbaric oxygen, and the most recent even raises the possibility of harm for repeated courses. Much of the pathophysiological research has focused on hyperbaric oxygen. Despite this clearly defined high-risk group and extensive research into the pathophysiology, there has been little translation into better treatment. Several strong predictors for serious neurological sequelae (prolonged loss of consciousness and elevated S100B) and reduced life expectancy (elevated troponin) are now reasonably well established. The diagnosis can be quickly confirmed with blood gases (pulse oximeters lack both sensitivity and specificity). The study's authors also don't know if the hyperbaric oxygen therapy received by all patients in the study affects outcome for those with heart muscle damage from the poisoning.The world has experienced some very large shifts in the epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it remains one of the most important toxicological global causes of morbidity and mortality. ![]() It's unclear whether patients with milder forms of carbon poisoning face similar increases in mortality risk, they noted. People suspected of exposure to carbon monoxide should be screened for heart muscle injury, the study's authors recommend. 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Timothy Henry of the institute and his colleagues wrote in the Jan. "In conclusion, myocardial injury is a common consequence of moderate to severe poisoning and identifies patients at increased risk of mortality," Dr. Of this group, nearly one-quarter, or 54 people, died within about seven years.Ĭardiovascular death occurred in 44 per cent of patients who initially showed signs of heart muscle injury, compared to 18 per cent in the other patient group, the study's authors found. They found that 85 patients, or 37 per cent, suffered heart muscle injury. The patients all received hyperbaric oxygen therapy. ![]() Researchers at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation looked at 230 people treated for moderate to severe carbon monoxide poisoning from 1994 to 2002. ![]() Previous studies showed few in-hospital deaths among patients exposed to carbon monoxide, but little is known about the possible long-term consequences. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include weakness, nausea, dizziness, lethargy, confusion and headache. People can be exposed to the colourless, odourless gas from car exhaust, fire or defective heating systems. Some people treated for carbon monoxide poisoning face an increased risk of death because of injury to their heart muscle, according to a new study.Ĭarbon monoxide is a common cause of accidental poisoning in the United States, accounting for 40,000 trips to emergency every year. ![]()
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