Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Acute Domestic Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

Phase 3 Study of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Non-Comatose Patients With Acute Domestic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning still places a burden on the healthcare system worldwide. While oxygen therapy is the cornerstone treatment, the role and practical modalities of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) remain controversial. This study aimed at comparing one session of HBO at 2 absolute atmosphere followed by 4 hours of normobaric oxygen therapy to 6 hours of normobaric oxygen therapy in adult victims of acute domestic carbon monoxide poisoning and without coma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients older than 15 years of age
• admitted for domestic CO poisoning within 12 hours after the end of CO exposure.
• had transient loss of consciousness (syncope, malaise)
• carboxyhemoglobin level at presentation >10% or 5%, in smokers and non-smokers, respectively.

Exclusion Criteria:

• poisoning by more than one compound (e.g., CO plus a drug or CO plus other toxic gases such as those found in fire smoke
• suicide attempt
• pregnancy
• coma
• contraindications to HBO (circulatory collapse or pneumothorax)
• technical obstacles to HBO
• non domestic CO poisoning
• difficulty in determining whether the patient experienced initial loss of consciousness or initial coma
• consent refusal.