Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Acute carbon monoxide toxicity in a paediatric cohort: analysis of 10 boys poisoned during a scuba diving lesson.

Clinical Toxicology 2018 September
BACKGROUND: Recent public health strategies have contributed towards a significant reduction in the incidence of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings. When events do occur, symptoms can vary dramatically depending on the carboxyhaemoglobin level and individual factors. Most reports to date focus on individual cases or larger retrospective reviews of diverse cohorts. There are very few reports of CO exposure related to scuba diving activities.

METHODS: We describe the clinical sequelae experienced by 10 children who were exposed to CO during a scuba diving lesson. We collate patient data in the context of a severely affected individual and employ exponential decay calculations to estimate half-life.

RESULTS: Six of the patients exposed to CO were symptomatic. The most severely affected individual suffered multi-organ effects, including myocardial damage, and required intensive care unit admission. The remaining cohort demonstrated notable clinical variability. The half-life of carboxyhaemoglobin on high flow oxygen in this cohort was ∼75 min, in line with previous estimates.

CONCLUSION: This work described an uncommon clinical presentation, representing the largest single cohort of its kind. This work exemplifies the variable symptomatology of CO toxicity, of which clinicians should be alert to if patients fall ill after scuba diving.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app