ABSTRACT

Discussion and Conclusion:

COHb levels >20% can be used as a predictor marker of end organ damage in pediatric CO poisoning. Therefore, COHb level should be obtained for all children with CO poisoning.

Results:

In total, 47 patients were included. The mean ±SD age was 7.06±4.69 years (4 month-17 years) and 53% were male; 91% of the patients had a normal Glasgow Coma Scale score. Majority of patients (55%) presented by February and the most common source of CO was the coal stove (78%). Most patients (70%, n=33) had <20% COHb levels. Children who presented with severe symptoms were more likely to have COHb levels > 20%. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO) administered for patients with COHb levels >20%, cardiac and/or neurologic involvement. Delayed neuropsychiatric complications were occurred in only one patient.

Methods:

All children who presented to the emergency department due to CO poisoning, between November 2011- May 2012 were included. Age, gender, month of presentation, time to presentation, presenting symptoms, source of CO, COHb levels, biochemical markers of end organ damage, treatment and outcome were recorded. Groups are classified based on blood COHb levels as (>%20, <20%), and they compared for demographical characteristics, clinical findings and laboratory results.

Introduction:

Carbonmonoxide (CO) one of the leading causes of poisoning death in developing countries. This study sought to determine whether symptoms correlate with carboxyhemoglobine (COHb) levels in CO poisoned children. It also aimed to investigate the relationship of the concentration of COHb with end organ damage such as acute myocardial injury and delayed neurologic sequelae.