What Researchers Did
Researchers in Israel treated 24 severe carbon monoxide poisoning cases with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
Of 24 patients, 20 (84%) regained consciousness during or immediately after one 90-minute hyperbaric oxygen treatment session at 2.8 ATA. Three patients required a second treatment session for their symptoms to resolve. One patient who arrived in a deep coma with severe brain swelling unfortunately died.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadians suffering from severe carbon monoxide poisoning, this study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an effective treatment to help regain consciousness and resolve other symptoms. It highlights the potential for rapid improvement, often within a single treatment session for many patients.
Canadian Relevance
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This study was a small case series without a control group, which limits the ability to compare HBOT outcomes against other treatments or no treatment.