Retrospective analysis of carbon monoxide exposure cases in a secondary-level state hospital emergency department

BACKGROUND:
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among inhaled toxins worldwide. The use of chimneyless stoves, barbecues and water heaters in small areas with poor ventilation leads to CO poisoning and increases the number of emergency department admissions.


OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the morbidity and mortality rates of CO poisoning cases admitted to the emergency department of our hospital.


DESIGN:
Retrospective, cross-sectional study


SETTING:
Single center, secondary-state hospital in Türkiye


PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Data from CO poisoning cases admitted to Gaziantep Abdülkadir Yüksel State Hospital Emergency Department between October 20, 2022 and October 20, 2023 were retrospectively evaluated.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
CO levels in venous blood obtained from patients with suspected CO poisoning.


SAMPLE SIZE:
377 patients


RESULTS:

Of the 377 patients, 204 (54.1%) were females, 302 (80.1%) were Turkish citizens, and 196 (52%) presented to the hospital on their own means. It was determined that 285 patients (75.6%) were poisoned by stove smoke, 90 (23.8%) by fire smoke, and two (0.5%) by natural gas. It was determined that 298 patients (79%) were discharged after treatment, 42 (11.1%) left the hospital without permission, 23 (6.1%) were taken under observation and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment was applied, 13 (3.4%) refused treatment, and 1 (0.3%) died. The need for HBO treatment increased with age and a significant association was found between age and the need for HBO treatment (
P
=.002).



CONCLUSIONS:
CO poisoning remains a common public health issue, mostly linked to stove and fire smoke. Older age was significantly associated with the need for HBO therapy. It is important to prevent and raise awareness regarding CO poisoning cases, which increase particularly during the winter months in the context of earthquakes and other natural disasters.


LIMITATIONS:
Retrospective design