analysis of carbon monoxide poisoning cases in Bursa, Turkey

Carbon monoxide [CO] poisoning from coal and gas heaters is a public health concern in Turkey. This study estimated the prevalence, mortality rate and clinical predictors of severity of CO poisoning cases treated at the emergency unit of the Uludag University Medical School, Bursa from 1996 to 2006. Of 305 patients treated over a 10-year period, only 1 case was recorded as suicide. The CO source was a coal heater in 85.9% of cases. Mean Glasgow coma score [GCS] on admission was 12.8 [SD 0.2] and mean carboxyhaemoglobin level was 21.6% [SD 0.92%]. There were statistically significant associations between higher GCS score, older age and higher HbCO level. Better education of the public is vital for the prevention of these injuries

Consideraciones estadístico-epidemiológicas sobre las muertes producidas por monóxido de carbono en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: experiencia de la Morgue Judicial del Poder Judicial de la Nación durante el decenio 1997-2007 / Some statistical-epidemiological considerations related to deaths due to carbon monoxide in the city of Buenos Aires During the decade 1997-2007

Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication is the most common cause of death after acute smoke inhalation and may be the most common inhalation toxin overall. The central nervous system and heart are especially vulnerable to CO intoxication. The risk of acute and long-term neurologic effects unders-cores the importance of prompt treatment with high concentration of supplemental oxygen. The authors of this report present some statistical and epidemilogical considerations related to deaths due to carbon monoxide in the City of Buenos Aires. This is an experience of the Judicial Morgue during the decade between the years 1997 and 2007.

Some usual and unusual poisonings due to carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a frequent occurrence in both developed and under developed countries of the world. Carbon monoxide can be produced in fires, automobile engine exhausts and the incomplete combustion of organic matter. It is a [quot ]silent killer[quot ] that initially produces a mild progressive frontal headache, drowsiness and sleep that is usually ignored as common place. Continued low-level CO exposure for a long period of time in a confined space is cumulative and these accidental deaths are frequent but should be avoidable. Several usual and unusual poisonings are reported to illustrate its various forms of exposure. It all began many years ago when a bolt of lightening hit a fallen tree and produced a fire. Early cave man later learned to enjoy some of the benefits of this new discovery. They could now see at night, they could keep warm, keep the predators at bay, cook their food and make it taste better and be more gentle to their teeth. Also meat could be preserved and eaten at a later date especially if it were dried and smoked. They learned by trial and error that it was dangerous to bring their fire deep into their cave without a chimney. Carbon monoxide (CO) also can be easily produced by many other sources besides fire. Very common today is the incomplete combustion of gasoline in the engine of an automobile which can produce about 6 carbon monoxide