S16C327 - Carbon Monoxide poisoning

Question 1

Carbon monoxide Hb half life

Answer 1

• room air= 250-320 mins (4-5h)
• 100% O2 = 74-80min
• CO prevents O2 from binding and interferes with ATP generation, uncouples oxidative phosphorylation and produces a lactic acidosis

Question 2

CO poisoning: Sx

Answer 2

• h/a, visual disturbance, vomiting, confusion, ataxia, dyspnea, Sz, ECG changes, syncope, c/p, focal neuro deficit
• may have cherry red mucosa

Question 3

CO poisoning: Tx

Answer 3

• O2
• HBO if: syncope, confusion/AMS, Sz, coma, focal neuro deficits, preganncy with level >15%, blood level >25%, evidence of ACS