• J. Int. Med. Res. · Jan 2012

    Could vital signs predict carbon monoxide intoxication?

    • N M Aksu, M Akkaş, F Çoşkun, E Karakiliç, M Günalp, H Akküçük, D K Ataman, H Özcan, and M M Özmen.
    • Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, and Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Hasırcılar Street, Sıhhıye, Ankara, Turkey. nmaksu@superposta.com
    • J. Int. Med. Res. 2012 Jan 1; 40 (1): 366-70.

    ObjectiveThis retrospective study examined the correlation between carboxy haemoglobin (COHb) levels and vital signs in patients with carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication.MethodsOver a 10-year period, patients>16 years of age who presented to the emergency department due to CO intoxication were included. Age, gender, comorbidities, month/year of presentation, presenting symptoms, vital signs, blood pH, COHb level, treatment and outcome were recorded.ResultsIn total, 476 patients were included. The mean±SD age was 36.22±13.65 years; 96.4% of the patients had a normal Glasgow Coma Scale score, 91.0% had normal blood pressure and 80.0% had a normal heart rate. COHb levels were stratified into three groups: <10% (n=39), 10-20% (n=106) and >20% (n=205); levels could not be obtained in the remaining 126 patients. In patients with COHb levels>20%, 34 (16.6%) had alkalosis and nine (4.4%) had acidosis. Among patients with COHb levels>20%, 140 (68.3%) had normal vital signs.ConclusionsVital signs cannot be used as a prognostic marker of CO intoxication and, therefore, patients must be monitored closely.

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