Biochemical parameters and clinical outcomes of carbon monoxide poisoning in special groups: children, pregnant women, and the elderly

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic gas, poses a significant threat to human health. Children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to this toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric, pregnant, and geriatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included pediatric, pregnant, and geriatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CO poisoning, excluding those with complete file data and those with carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels below 5% (for children and pregnant patients) and 10% (for elderly patients). Patients aged 65 years, and pregnant patients admitted to the adult and pediatric emergency departments were included in the study; statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Inc., with a p-value of 40% of all patients requiring intubation. CONCLUSIONS: Vulnerable populations are at increased risk of exposure to CO, and the study results emphasize the necessity of heightened awareness and preventive measures to safeguard these individuals from CO poisoning. © 2024 Verduci Editore s.r.l. All rights reserved