Carbon Monoxide Headquarters




Carbon Monoxide Poisoning


Criteria for Hospital Admission in CO Poisoning:

  • COHb levels of 25% or more; over 15% in patient with history of cardiac or pulmonary disease, or impaired metabolism; over 10% in a pregnant woman (COHb level should be obtained as early as possible, and extrapolated back to time of termination based on COHb half-life, considering amount of O2 given, level of activity, etc.

  • Abnormal ECG and/or coronary ischemic-type chest pain

  • Metabolic acidosis

  • Inability to maintain normal body temperature

  • Abnormal neuropsychologic examination

  • Decreased arterial oxygen content; decreased arterial PO2 more serious

  • Myoglobinuria and/or abnormal renal function

  • Hyperglycemia (combined with other abnormalities)

  • Leukocytosis (combined with other abnormalities)

  • Elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LH)

  • Abnormal chest X-ray

  • History of unconsciousness


    Note: With the exception of neuropsychologic evaluation, most of the above criteria apply only to acute, higher-level CO poisoning.


    ...... last changed 02/12/00


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