What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed data from 900 carbon monoxide-poisoned patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at two medical centers between 1987 and 1996.
What They Found
Among 300 patients treated at 2.45 atm abs, one seizure occurred (0.3%), compared to nine seizures (2.0%) at 2.80 atm abs and six seizures at 3.00 atm abs. This statistically significant difference (P = 0.032) indicates an increased risk of seizures at higher hyperbaric oxygen pressures.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning may face an increased risk of central nervous system seizures at higher treatment pressures. Healthcare providers should carefully weigh the potential for seizure when selecting the appropriate hyperbaric oxygen pressure for these patients.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted at medical centers in the United States.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective review of existing patient data, this study may be limited by its observational nature and potential for unmeasured confounding factors.