What Researchers Did
Doctors reviewed the medical records of 33 patients treated for acute carbon monoxide poisoning who received 100% oxygen at normal air pressure instead of hyperbaric oxygen.
What They Found
This retrospective chart review of 33 patients found that most recovered quickly and none had neurological problems at discharge. The average carbon monoxide level among patients was 29.4%, and 10 patients had levels above 40%. Seven patients (21%) were in a coma when admitted, and most of the complications seen in the study occurred in this group. All patients were treated with normobaric 100% oxygen, and the short-term outlook was good even without hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This was a small, retrospective review of 33 patients at a single hospital with no comparison group treated with hyperbaric oxygen, and it only assessed short-term outcomes at discharge.