Could vital signs predict carbon monoxide intoxication?
Journal of International Medical Research, vol.40, no.1, pp.366-370, 2012 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 40 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2012
- Doi Number: 10.1177/147323001204000138
- Journal Name: Journal of International Medical Research
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.366-370
- Keywords: CARBON MONOXIDE (CO), INTOXICATION, VITAL SIGNS, ALKALOSIS, ACIDOSIS, PROGNOSIS
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Objective: This retrospective study examined the correlation between carboxy - haemoglobin (COHb) levels and vital signs in patients with carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. Methods: Over a 10-year period, patients > 16 years of age who presented to the emergency department due to CO intoxication were included. Age, gender, comorbidities, month/year of presentation, presenting symptoms, vital signs, blood pH, COHb level, treatment and outcome were recorded. Results: In total, 476 patients were included. The mean ± SD age was 36.22 ± 13.65 years; 96.4% of the patients had a normal Glasgow Coma Scale score, 91.0% had normal blood pressure and 80.0% had a normal heart rate. COHb levels were stratified into three groups: < 10% (n = 39), 10 - 20% (n = 106) and > 20% (n = 205); levels could not be obtained in the remaining 126 patients. In patients with COHb levels > 20%, 34 (16.6%) had alkalosis and nine (4.4%) had acidosis. Among patients with COHb levels > 20%, 140 (68.3%) had normal vital signs. Conclusion: Vital signs cannot be used as a prognostic marker of CO intoxication and, therefore, patients must be monitored closely. © 2012 Field House Publishing LLP.