Carbon monoxide poisoning cases presenting with non-specific symptoms

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas appearing as a result of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Many domestic or occupational poisonings are caused by CO exposure. Malfunctioning heating systems, improperly ventilated motor vehicles, generators, grills, stoves and residential fires may be listed in the common sources of CO exposure. The aim of this study was to emphasize the significance of early diagnosis of CO poisoning with non-invasive measurement of CO levels of the patients with non-specific symptoms using a pulse oximeter device in the triage. Our study was a cross-sectional study. Patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) due to non-specific symptoms and had a Canadian Triage and Acuity scale level of 4 or 5 were included in the study; 106 (5.9%) of 1788 patients admitted during the study period were diagnosed with CO poisoning. Patients with CO poisoning and the other patients had statistically significant differences in terms of presenting symptoms, namely, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. More CO poisoning cases were admitted in the fall and winter compared to the spring and summer. The number of CO poisoning victims can be decreased if preventive measures like CO monitoring systems and well-designed ventilation systems are generalized at homes and workplaces. Measurement of carboxyhaemoglobin levels of patients presenting to ED due to non-specific symptoms like headache and dizziness during cold seasons and winter months using a pulse CO-oximeter should be a part of the routine of emergency medicine triage.

Factors that Affect Prognosis and Morbidity in Pediatric Patients with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

“…17 Dysrhythmia, T wave abnormalities, and ST segment changes are the most common findings. 18 In a study by Deniz et al 19 in 106 patients, T wave negativity was found in 11.3% of cases, sinus tachycardia in 26.4%, ST change in 10.4%, and normal ECG in the remaining 66%. In a prospective study by Ozyurt et al 20 in 22 patients, prolonged Qtc interval was detected in the group with poisoning compared to the control group but no dysrhythmia was observed.…”

Fatal carbon monoxide poisoning: A lesson from a retrospective study at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

“…Firepots, car engines, and room heaters were sources of CO in this study as well as in other studies. [ 3 4 ] Use of room heaters, which is shown to be one of the top sources of CO fatalities, is predominant during the winter season and can release high amounts of CO if the equipment is not functioning properly or the place is not ventilated. [ 1 ] In this study too, the rooms in which the deceased were sleeping with the firepots/room heater were having poor ventilation with vents sealed to prevent any cold breeze.…”

“…[ 2 ] Malfunctioning heating systems, improperly ventilated motor vehicles, generators, grills, stoves, and residential fires may be listed in the common sources of CO exposure. [ 3 4 ]…”

Poor Supervision Leading to Carbon Monoxide Intoxication in a Burned Child

“…CO as a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas, produced by carbon or carbonaceous material combust insufficient in oxygen [3,4], is often overlooked by people. It is toxic to multiple organs such as lung, brain, kidney and so on [5].…”