Case Report Ann Emerg Med 1993

Cyanide and methemoglobin kinetics in smoke inhalation victims treated with the cyanide antidote kit

Kirk M, Gerace R, Kulig K — Ann Emerg Med, 1993

View Original on PubMed PMID 8363114

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers measured levels of cyanide, methemoglobin, and carbon monoxide in seven critically ill smoke inhalation patients to understand how these substances behave in the body.

What They Found

They found the average half-life of cyanide was 3.0 hours. After sodium nitrite administration, peak methemoglobin levels averaged 10.5% and appeared after about 50 minutes. The total reduction in oxygen-carrying capacity from both carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin was never more than 21% in this group.

Canadian Relevance

This study covers carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Study Limitations

A significant limitation of this study is its small sample size of only seven critically ill patients, which limits the generalizability of the findings.

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Study Details

Study Type	Case Report
Category	Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	8363114
Year Published	1993
Journal	Ann Emerg Med
MeSH Terms	Adult; Antidotes; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning; Carboxyhemoglobin; Combined Modality Therapy; Cyanides; Drug Evaluation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Methemoglobin; Methemoglobinemia; Middle Aged; Poison Control Centers; Poisoning; Prospective Studies; Smoke Inhalation Injury; Sodium Nitrite; Thiosulfates; Time Factors

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This study relates to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Read the full clinical overview, the evidence base, and Canadian treatment access for this condition.

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: April 17, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology