Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning.

OBJECTIVE Acute carbon monoxide poisoning is a common problem that occurs during winter and leads to serious complications. METHODS We retrospectively studied 24 consecutive cases admitted with the aim of finding the causes and outcome of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. RESULTS The source of poisoning was charcoal in 71% of patients, motor gasoline in 21%, and other causes in 8%. Immediate complications included altered consciousness level in 54% of patients, metabolic acidosis in 46%, pneumonia in 42%, cardiac arrhythmia in 29% and rhabdomyolysis in 25%. Late neurological complications occurred in 17% of patients. All the patients received 100% oxygen. Eleven patients (46%) required mechanical ventilation. Ultimately, 19 patients (79%) recovered completely, 4 (17%) had neurological or cardiac disorders, and 1 (4%) died. CONCLUSION Immediate and late complications are common in carbon monoxide poisoning cases admitted to the hospital especially when they arrive late. Time lapse between exposure and presentation may have a role in predicting the outcome.