scholarly journals Quantifying the Effects of Climate Factors on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Retrospective Study in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Ho Wang ◽  
Shih-Chieh Shao ◽  
Kai-Cheng Chang ◽  
Ming-Jui Hung ◽  
Chen-Chang Yang ◽  
...  

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning death worldwide, but associations between CO poisoning and weather remain unclear.Objective: To quantify the influence of climate parameters (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed) on the incidence risk of acute CO poisoning in Taiwan.Methods: We used negative binomial mixed models (NBMMs) to evaluate the influence of weather parameters on the incidence risk of acute CO poisoning. Subgroup analyses were conducted, based on the seasonality and the intentionality of acute CO poisoning cases.Results: We identified a total of 622 patients (mean age: 32.9 years old; female: 51%) with acute CO poisoning in the study hospital. Carbon monoxide poisoning was associated with temperature (beta: −0.0973, rate ratio (RR): 0.9073, p < 0.0001) but not with relative humidity (beta: 0.1290, RR: 1.1377, p = 0.0513) or wind speed (beta: −0.4195, RR: 0.6574, p = 0.0806). In the subgroup analyses, temperature was associated with the incidence of intentional CO poisoning (beta: 0.1076, RR: 1.1136, p = 0.0333) in spring and unintentional CO poisoning (beta: −0.1865, RR: 0.8299, p = 0.0184) in winter.Conclusion: Changes in temperature affect the incidence risk for acute CO poisoning, but the impact varies with different seasons and intentionality in Taiwan. Our findings quantify the effects of climate factors and provide fundamental evidence for healthcare providers to develop preventative strategies to reduce acute CO poisoning events.

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Moon ◽  
BJ Chun ◽  
SD Lee ◽  
MH Shin

This study investigated whether hyperthermia within the first 24 h after presentation was associated with long-term neurological outcomes after acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This retrospective study included 200 patients with acute severe CO poisoning. Hyperthermia (≥ 37.5°C) developed during the first 24 h after presentation in 55 (27.5%) patients, and poor long-term neurological sequelae assessed at 23 months after acute CO poisoning developed in 19.5% of the patients. The incidence of poor long-term neurological outcomes was significantly higher in the hyperthermia group than in the normothermia group. Patients with poor long-term neurological outcomes had higher maximum temperatures than patients with good outcomes. No significant difference was found in the time of hyperthermia onset within the first day according to the neurological outcomes. Hyperthermia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.009 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.556–16.126)) and maximum temperature (aOR 2.581 (95% CI 1.098–6.063)) within the first 24 h after presentation to the emergency department were independently associated with poor long-term neurological outcomes. Body temperature measurements, which are easily and noninvasively recorded at the bedside in any facility, help to predict the risk for poor long-term neurological outcomes. This study carefully emphasizes fastidious control of pyrexia, particularly during the early period after acute CO poisoning.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa M Falise ◽  
Isabel Griffin ◽  
Danielle Fernandez ◽  
Xeniamaria Rodriguez ◽  
Emily Moore ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) investigated 106 reported carbon monoxide (CO) exposures over a 9-day timeframe after Hurricane Irma. This report evaluates risk factors for CO poisoning and the importance of heightened surveillance following natural disasters.MethodsData on CO poisoning cases from September 9 to 18, 2017 were extracted from Merlin, the Florida Department of Health Surveillance System. Medical records were obtained and follow-up interviews were conducted to collect data on the confirmed CO poisoning cases. Data were analyzed using SAS v9.4.ResultsNinety-one of the 106 people exposed to CO met the case definition for CO poisoning: 64 confirmed, 7 probable, and 20 suspect cases. Eighty-eight percent of the affected individuals were evaluated in emergency departments and 11.7% received hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The most frequently reported symptoms included headache (53.3%), dizziness (50.7%), and nausea (46.7%). Three patients expired due to their exposure to CO.ConclusionsPost Hurricane Irma, the DOH-Miami-Dade investigated numerous cases for CO exposure. By understanding who is most likely to be impacted by CO and the impact of generators’ location on people’s health, education efforts can be tailored to the population most at risk and further CO exposures and related mortalities following natural disasters can be reduced. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:94–96)


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Shu-Chen Liao ◽  
Yan-Chiao Mao ◽  
Yao-Min Hung ◽  
Ching-Hsing Lee ◽  
Chen-Chang Yang

Objective. Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS) are serious complications of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that adversely affect poisoned patients’ quality of life as well as socioeconomic status. This study aimed to determine clinical predictors of DNS in patients with CO poisoning. Methods. This retrospective study included all CO-poisoned patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2015. The medical records of all patients with CO poisoning were carefully reviewed, and relevant data were abstracted into a standardised form. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of DNS after CO poisoning. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the ideal cut-off value for continuous variables that predict the development of DNS. Results. A total of 760 patients with CO poisoning were identified during the study period. Among them, 466 were eligible for the analysis of predictors of DNS. In multivariate analysis, Glasgow Coma Scale <9 (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–6.21), transient loss of consciousness (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.31–9.79), longer duration from CO exposure to ED presentation (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03–1.08), and corrected QT (QTc) prolongation (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.21–5.61) were found to be associated with a higher risk of DNS. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for QTc interval measured within 6 h after exposure best predicted the development of DNS, with a result of 0.729 (95% CI 0.660–0.791). Moreover, the best cut-off value of the QTc interval was 471 ms, with a sensitivity of 53.3% and a specificity of 85.1%. Conclusions. We identified several potential predictors of DNS following CO poisoning. Among them, QTc prolongation found within 6 h after exposure is a novel predictor of DNS, which may be helpful in the future care of patients with CO poisoning.


2021 ◽  
pp. 247-253
Author(s):  
Yan Lv ◽  
Yv Zhang ◽  
Shuyi Pam ◽  

Demyelination throughout the brain stem and spinal cord caused by acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has not been previously reported. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revealed that acute CO poisoning primarily affects the subcortical white matter of the bilateral cerebral hemispheres and basal ganglia. Here we report the case of a patient with delayed neuropsychological sequelae (DNS) due to acute CO poisoning. A 28-year-old man was admitted to our department following a suicide attempt by acute CO poisoning. After a six-month pseudo-recovery period, he was diagnosed with DNS, with MRI evidence of demyelinating change of the bilateral cerebral peduncles. Demyelination was identified throughout the brain stem, expanding from the bilateral cerebral peduncles to the medulla oblongata, occurring approximately six months after poisoning. One and a half years after acute CO poisoning, demyelination of the cervical and thoracic spine was observed, most notable in the lateral and posterior cords. It is evident that previously published research on this topic is extremely limited. Perhaps in severe cases of acute CO poisoning the fatality rate is higher, leading to fewer surviving cases for possible study. This may be because a more severe case of acute CO poisoning would result in the higher likelihood of secondary demyelination. This research indicates that clinicians should be aware of the risk of secondary demyelination and take increased precautions such as vitamin B supplementation and administration of low-dose corticosteroids for an extended period of time in order to reduce the extent and severity of demyelination.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-9
Author(s):  
Sayit I. Indiaminov ◽  
Antonina A. Kim

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the leading cause of death from poisoning (accidental and intentional). The number of cases of CO poisoning is increasing day by day. Aims: The aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiological situation of CO poisoning and identify the urgent aspects of this problem. In the article, the author provided a retrospective analysis of 117 cases of CO poisoning, registered in a number of regional branches of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center of the Forensic Medical Examination of Uzbekistan, after he studied and analyzed the world literature on the epidemiology of CO poisoning. It has been revealed that fatal poisoning ranks third after mechanical injuries and mechanical asphyxia and constitutes 6.3% (513 cases) in the range of deaths by violence (8078 cases). Therefore, CO poisoning is considered as one of the most prevailing (51%) causes of mortality. Conclusion: This is a global problem, with young males at risk. Further studies on the current clinical and forensic aspects of CO poisoning are required, and the necessity for regular analysis of epidemiological data for taking comprehensive measures to prevent CO poisoning is emphasized.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-45
Author(s):  
Patrick Lee ◽  
Steven Salhanick

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is typically treated by administration of oxygen via non-rebreather mask (NRB). High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an alternative to NRB in a variety of disease states. We report a case of the novel use of HFNC in the treatment of acute CO poisoning. A 29-year-old man presented with a carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level of 29.8%. He was treated with HFNC, and COHb levels declined to 5.4% in 230 minutes. Given several theoretical advantages of HFNC relative to NRB, HFNC is a potential option for use in the treatment of CO poisoning.


2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 1235-1243
Author(s):  
O Teksam ◽  
S Sabuncuoğlu ◽  
G Girgin ◽  
H Özgüneş

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate oxidative stress and antioxidant parameter levels in patients with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Methods: The study was conducted prospectively between March 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016 in the pediatric emergency department. Eligible patients included children aged 0–18 years old with a diagnosis of CO poisoning. To determination of oxidative stress and antioxidant parameter levels, venous blood with heparinized and urine samples were drawn during the admission and after normobaric oxygen (NBO) and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. Results: Forty-seven children with CO poisoning for study group and 29 patients as control group were included to the study. Sixteen patients treated with HBO. Basal plasma malondialdehyde levels were found to be significantly higher in the CO poisoning group when compared with the control group ( p = 0.019). There is no significant difference in oxidative stress and antioxidant parameter levels except erythrocyte catalase enzyme levels in patients treated with NBO when comparing before and after NBO treatment ( p > 0.05). Decreasing of basal erythrocyte catalase enzyme levels were found statistically significant after NBO treatment ( p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in oxidative stress and antioxidant parameter levels in patients treated with HBO before and after therapy ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: CO poisoning is associated with increased lipid peroxidation in children immediately after the poisoning. However, both treatment modalities including NBO or HBO do not have a significant effect on oxidative stress or antioxidant parameter levels.


2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott A. Damon ◽  
Jon A. Poehlman ◽  
Douglas J. Rupert ◽  
Peyton N. Williams

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings in the United States consistently occur when residents improperly use portable gasoline-powered generators and other tools following severe storms and power outages. However, protective behaviors—such as installing CO alarms and placing generators more than 20 feet away from indoor structures—can prevent these poisonings. This study identified knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that lead consumers to adopt risk and protective behaviors for storm-related CO poisoning and post-storm generator use. Four focus groups (32 participants in total) were conducted with generator owners in winter and summer storm-prone areas to explore home safety, portable generator use, CO poisoning knowledge, and generator safety messages. Discussions were transcribed, and findings analyzed using an ordered meta-matrix approach. Although most generator owners were aware of CO poisoning, many were unsure what constitutes a safe location for generator operation and incorrectly stated that enclosed areas outside the home—such as attached garages, sheds, and covered porches—were safe. Convenience and access to appliances often dictated generator placement. Participants were receptive to installing CO alarms in their homes but were unsure where to place them. These findings suggest a deficit in understanding how to operate portable generators safely and a need to correct misconceptions around safe placement. In terms of behavioral price, the simple installation and maintenance of inexpensive CO alarms may be the most important strategy for ultimately protecting homes from both storm-related and other CO exposures.


2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney E. Reinisch

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can produce a constellation of noxious symptoms and potentially death when it reaches certain levels. Exposure to CO can be intentional (suicidal) or unintentional (accidental). CO poisoning is responsible for up to 40,000 to 50,000 emergency department visits and 5,000 to 6,000 deaths per year, making it one of the leading causes of poisoning death in the United States. When patients present to the emergency department with a constellation of symptoms, the advanced practice nurse should include environmental exposure in the differential diagnosis. This is especially important when family members present with similar complaints, such as headache or euphoria. Early recognition of CO poisoning is vital to identify individuals in need of prompt treatment and to prevent harmful and potential deadly exposure to others. Since patients often present with constitutional symptoms, including headache (most common), malaise, nausea, and dizziness, providers need to be cautious not to misdiagnose patients as having acute viral syndromes where CO poisoning could be the cause. Vigilance is needed during the winter months in cold climates when unintended poisoning is most common.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
YS Cha ◽  
H Kim ◽  
HH Do ◽  
HI Kim ◽  
OH Kim ◽  
...  

Delayed onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms after apparent recovery from acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has been described as delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS). To date, there have been no studies on the utility of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a marker of neuronal cell damage, as a predictive marker of DNS in acute CO poisoning. This retrospective observational study was performed on adult patients with acute CO poisoning consecutively treated over a 9-month period. Serum NSE was measured after emergency department arrival, and patients were divided into two groups. The DNS group comprised patients with delayed sequelae, while the non-DNS group included patients with none of these sequelae. A total of 98 patients with acute CO poisoning were enrolled in this study. DNS developed in eight patients. The median NSE value was significantly higher in the DNS group than in the non-DNS group. There was a statistical difference between the non-DNS group and the DNS group in terms of CO exposure time, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), loss of consciousness, creatinine kinase, and troponin I. GCS and NSE were the early predictors of development of DNS. The area under the curve according to the receiver operating characteristic curves of GCS, serum NSE, and GCS combined with serum NSE were 0.922, 0.836, and 0.969, respectively. In conclusion, initial GCS and NSE served as early predictors of development of DNS. Also, NSE might be a useful additional parameter that could improve the prediction accuracy of initial GCS.


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