Evaluation of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Cases Brought to the Emergency Department in Turkey: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of patients presenting to the emergency department with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in Turkey and to compare the findings with data from the literature. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study included 30 patients admitted to the emergency department with CO poisoning between June 1, 2023 and June 1, 2025. Demographic characteristics, causes of exposure, presenting complaints, vital signs, blood gas parameters (pH, PO2, PCO2, COHb, lactate), treatments, observation periods, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Results: Nineteen patients (63.3%) were male and 11 (36.7%) were female; the mean age was 28.9 ± 18.9 years. The most common cause of exposure was stove use (66.7%). The most common presenting complaints were shortness of breath (40.0%) and nausea-vomiting (33.3%). Physical examination findings were normal in all cases. The mean COHb level was 7.4 ± 7.9%. The most frequently administered treatment was oxygen therapy via a non-rebreather reservoir mask (43.3%). Nearly all patients were discharged (96.7%); hyperbaric oxygen therapy was planned for only one patient, but the patient refused treatment. Conclusion: Carbon monoxide poisoning is an important emergency condition whose mortality can be reduced by early diagnosis and treatment. The predominance of stove-related exposure emphasizes the need for public awareness regarding indoor heating systems. Carboxyhemoglobin measurement supports clinical assessment, while normobaric oxygen therapy remains the principal initial treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered in appropriately selected severe cases.