What Researchers Did
Researchers described the long-term health problems of a 27-year-old man who was exposed to hydrogen sulphide.
What They Found
A 27-year-old man exposed to hydrogen sulphide had a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 3 upon hospital admission, which improved to 15 by day 7 with emergency treatment including hyperbaric oxygen. Three years later, a PET scan showed abnormally decreased brain metabolism in the temporal and parietal lobes and left thalamus, and a SPECT scan 3.5 years later revealed decreased blood flow in the putamen. He also experienced ongoing issues like poor smell, slow movement, and problems with memory and planning.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Hydrogen sulphide poisoning is not a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This study is limited because it reports on only one patient, so the findings may not apply to everyone.