RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning JF Saudi Medical Journal JO Saudi Med J FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 361 OP 363 VO 21 IS 4 A1 Mohamed S. Al-Moamary A1 Afaf S. Al-Shammary A1 Abdullah A. Al-Shimemeri A1 Mir M. Ali A1 Hamdan H. Al-Jahdali A1 Adnan A. Awada YR 2000 UL http://smj.org.sa/content/21/4/361.abstract AB OBJECTIVE: Acute carbon monoxide poisoning is a common problem that occurs during winter and leads to serious complications.METHODS: We retrospectively studied 24 consecutive cases admitted with the aim of finding the causes and outcome of acute carbon monoxide poisoning.RESULTS: The source of poisoning was charcoal in 71% of patients, motor gasoline in 21%, and other causes in 8%. Immediate complications included altered consciousness level in 54% of patients, metabolic acidosis in 46%, pneumonia in 42%, cardiac arrhythmia in 29% and rhabdomyolysis in 25%. Late neurological complications occurred in 17% of patients. All the patients received 100% oxygen. Eleven patients (46%) required mechanical ventilation. Ultimately, 19 patients (79%) recovered completely, 4 (17%) had neurological or cardiac disorders, and 1 (4%) died.CONCLUSION: Immediate and late complications are common in carbon monoxide poisoning cases admitted to the hospital especially when they arrive late. Time lapse between exposure and presentation may have a role in predicting the outcome.