The Role of High-flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

High-flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The aim of the study is to test whether oxygen therapy delivered through high-flow nasal cannula devices in patients admitted to the emergency department for acute carbon monoxide poisoning is superior to the non-rebreathing oxygen face mask therapy with a 15 L/minute oxygen flow (currently the first-line therapy), in terms of reduction of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentration and delayed neurological sequelae incidence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age v 18 years
• Carbon monoxide intoxication as major problem leading to emergency department admission
• Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentration 10% at the time of enrolment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years
• Glasgow coma scale ≤ 13
• Refusal to give consent