TY - JOUR PY - 1985// TI - Pediatric carbon monoxide toxicity JO - Journal of emergency medicine A1 - Crocker, P. J. A1 - Walker, J. S. SP - 443 EP - 448 VL - 3 IS - 6 N2 - We report a series of 28 pediatric carbon monoxide exposures. Sixteen patients (57%) were judged to have potentially toxic carboxyhemeglobin (COHb) levels (greater than 15%). In this group the range of COHb blood levels was 16.7% to 44.0% (mean = 26.5%). An unusually high incidence of syncope (56.3%, 9/16) and lethargy (68.7%, 11/16) was observed. Every patient with a COHb level greater than or equal to 24% experienced syncope; a marked departure from published adult values. Lethargy was reported at a mean COHb concentration of 25.9%. All patients with levels over 25% COHb, neurologic findings, acidosis, or syncope were considered candidates for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). No morbidity from HBOT was encountered. Eighty-nine percent (25/28) of the patients are reportedly doing well, with no late sequelae identified. Delayed neurologic sequelae in three patients include chronic headaches, memory difficulties, or decline in school performance.
Language: en
LA - en SN - 0736-4679 UR - http://dx.doi.org/ ID - ref1 ER -