What Researchers Did
Researchers used a nationwide Taiwanese database of 25,737 CO poisoning patients to compare the risk of myocardial infarction in those who received HBOT versus those who did not, with follow-up through 2013.
What They Found
Overall, HBOT was associated with a 31% lower myocardial infarction risk that did not reach statistical significance (adjusted HR 0.69). In male patients, HBOT was associated with a statistically significant 55% risk reduction (AHR 0.45). The protective effect was strongest within the first two weeks after poisoning.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
CO poisoning damages the heart, and this large study suggests HBOT may protect male patients from subsequent heart attack. Canadian clinicians treating CO poisoning should consider early HBOT not only for neurological protection but also for cardiac protection, especially in male patients.
Canadian Relevance
Carbon monoxide poisoning is an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario.
Study Limitations
This was a retrospective database analysis and does not establish causation; unmeasured confounding factors may influence results.