Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning

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.