What Researchers Did
Researchers reported on a unique case of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a chemical reaction between formic and sulfuric acid.
What They Found
They found a 27-year-old woman with a carboxyhemoglobin level of 15% after two hours of breathing 100% oxygen, caused by carbon monoxide levels up to 400 parts per million in her car. After receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy, she was able to breathe on her own with normal mental function, but three months later, she showed signs of delayed brain problems.
Canadian Relevance
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study describes the experience of only one patient, so its findings cannot be broadly applied to all carbon monoxide poisoning cases.