Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Summary

HBOT rapidly clears carbon monoxide from the blood and reduces the risk of delayed neurological injury.

Typical protocol

2.8–3.0 ATA × 90–120 min, ASAP, up to 3 in 24h, 1–3 sessions · UHMS

The evidence (2)

1. [1] Hyperbaric oxygen for carbon monoxide poisoning (Cochrane review)

   MIXED

   Buckley NA, Juurlink DN, Isbister G, et al. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2011 · PMID 21491385

   Reviewing seven trials with conflicting results, the authors concluded existing evidence neither firmly establishes nor excludes benefit, reflecting the ongoing clinical debate.

   Quality: Highlights heterogeneity across CO trials.

2. [2] Hyperbaric oxygen for acute carbon monoxide poisoning

   POSITIVE

   Weaver LK, Hopkins RO, Chan KJ, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2002 · n=152 · PMID 12362006

   Randomized trial in which three HBOT sessions reduced the rate of cognitive sequelae at 6 weeks after acute CO poisoning compared with normobaric oxygen.

   Quality: Landmark NEJM RCT; basis for HBOT in CO poisoning with neurological risk.