What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a critical review of the literature on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning.
What They Found
The review found that randomised controlled trials have definitively shown hyperbaric oxygen as the only efficacious therapy for acute carbon monoxide poisoning to minimize delayed neurological sequelae. Hyperbaric oxygen benefits the brain by improving energy metabolism, preventing lipid peroxidation, and decreasing neutrophil adherence, while normobaric oxygen should not be used between hyperbaric treatments.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation highlighted by the review is that optimal oxygen dosing for both acute and delayed hyperbaric oxygen treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning is not yet fully understood.