Cases of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Consulted Ondokuz Mayis University, Hospital of Medical Faculty in 2004

Abstract

Aim: In this study, it is aimed to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the CO poisoning cases consulted in Ondokuz Mayis University, Hospital Of Medical Faculty and discuss our findings in the perspective of the current literature. Material and method: 64 cases of CO poisoning were examined among the forensic cases consulted in Ondokuz Mayis University, Hospital of Medical Faculty between 01.01.2004 and 31.12.2004, Results: CO poisoning was mostly common in December (40.6%) and on Saturday (21.9%) and Sunday (20.3%). The origin was accidental in 62 cases (96.9%) and suicidal in 2 cases (3.1%). Poisoning was caused mostly by stove (37.5%) and geyser (37.5%). Common complaints were nausea (48.4%), fatigue (39.1%) and vertigo (37.5%). The most evident laboratory finding was the low blood pH. Fifty seven of the cases were discharged with full recovery (89.1%) and 5 cases (7.8%) died. Conclusion: CO poisoning is as being one of the most common types of poisoning, studies in order to prevent this problem are really important. Giving education yo public about the use of CO generating devices and increasing the safety standards in these devices such as stove and geyser will be helpful in solving this problem.