What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to compare the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) versus normobaric oxygenation (NBO) therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning, searching databases for studies published from 1989 to 2017.
What They Found
Out of 68 articles found, 16 dealt with either HBO or NBO or both for carbon monoxide poisoning. Twelve studies suggested HBO as the treatment of choice, particularly for moderate to high-risk cases to prevent neurological sequelae, while four indicated NBO was an adequate, cost-effective alternative.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, especially those at moderate to high risk, may benefit from hyperbaric oxygenation to prevent long-term neurological issues. For less severe cases or when HBO is unavailable, normobaric oxygenation remains a practical and cost-effective treatment option in emergency departments.
Canadian Relevance
This systematic review did not include any studies specifically focused on Canadian populations or healthcare systems.
Study Limitations
The review's findings are limited by the quality and potential heterogeneity of the studies included, as well as the scope of the database search.