الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract A ”silent killer,” carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, non-irritating, asphyxiating chemical gas. The primary method of producing this gas is the partial combustion of organic molecules. One of the main causes of death and illness universally is CO poisoning. The aim of this work was to modify the practice guidelines in management of acute carbon monoxide poisoning patients admitted to Alexandria Poison Center. The patients or their relatives were interviewed. The patients were clinically examined, and managed according to the therapeutic protocol. The data were recorded in a specially designed sheet. Out of sixty patients with acute CO intoxication in this study, more than half of the patients were females. The age of patients ranged from 7 to 67 years with the majority coming from urban areas. Acute CO intoxication in all studied cases was accidental by defective gas water heaters at bathrooms with the majority of patients presenting during the night shift. On admission, headache and drowsiness were the main presenting symptoms among more than half of the patients, followed by syncope and convulsions. Many patients were fully conscious on admission while most of them showed hypotension. Sinus tachycardia was evident in the majority of patients. |