Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Author: Aimay Mirdin / Editor: Steven A Bland / Reviewer: Nick Blundell, Joshua Davison / Code: / Published: 22/06/2023

Carbon monoxide poisoning still accounts for a significant number of cases and is associated with both morbidity and mortality through a spectrum of presentations due to both acute and chronic exposures.

Learning Objectives

After completing this session you will be able to:

  • State the epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Describe the pathophysiology of carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Describe the initial assessment of a carbon monoxide patient
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Emergency Department (ED) management of a carbon monoxide patient
  • State the indications and considerations for hyperbaric therapy, and other non-diving indications for hyperbaric therapy

References

  1. Carbon monoxide poisoning: needless deaths, unnecessary injury. CMO guidance letter, 2010.
  2. Toxbase. Carbon monoxide.
  3. Wolf SJ, Lavonas EJ, Sloan EP, Jagoda AS; American College of Emergency Physicians. Clinical policy: Critical issues in the management of adult patients presenting to the emergency department with acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Ann Emerg Med. 2008 Feb;51(2):138-52.
  4. Weaver LK, Hopkins RO, Chan KJ, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen for acute carbon monoxide poisoning. N Engl J Med 2002;347:1057-1067.
  5. Buckley NA, Juurlink DN, Isbister G, Bennett MH, Lavonas EJ. Hyperbaric oxygen for carbon monoxide poisoning. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002041.
  6. HPA Diagnosing poisoning: Carbon monoxide. Gov.uk 2009.
  7. ritapepe L, Macchiarelli G, Rocco M, et al. Functional and ultrastructural evidence of myocardial stunning after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Crit Care Med. 1998 Apr;26(4):797-801.
  8. Carbon Monoxide poisoning: Recognise the symptoms and tackle the cause. CMO guidance letter. NHS England, 2013.
  9. Manaker S. Carbon monoxide poisoning. UpToDate, 2023.

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