Authors : L.A. Raffee, K.A. Alhadidi, R.A. Al-Hamad and Y.T. Eldos
Abstract: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbonaceous material. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a commonly overlooked or misdiagnosed and usually present a diagnostic and treatment challenge. Treatment options remain controversial and vary among centres due the limited numbers of definitive clinical studies. The main aim of this study is to examine patients suspected of having CO gas poisoning, their symptoms and management in the emergency department at Jordan. In here, a retrospective study that involve two referral teaching hospitals. The analysis is based on data collected at King Abdullah University Hospital and Jordan University Hospital at the National Poisoning Centre from January 2003 through May 2013. A total of 221 cases were reported. At the NPC, carbon monoxide gas exposure was the leading cause of poisoning which accounted for 81.5% of the cases while unknown gases and unidentified vapours accounted for 18.5% of the toxicities. While the majorities (192 cases) of the reported cases were unintentional (88%) in the remainder, CO gas poisoning was used as homicidal in males and was used as a suicidal agent in females. At KAUH, all of the reported cases were unintentional. The findings demonstrate the incidence of CO poisoning in Jordan. To help lower the incidence of CO gas poisoning, policies should be structured to allow emergency departments to manage in accordance with international guidelines. Public education plays a key and significant role. Carbon monoxide poisoning can potentially be a significant invisible killer.
L.A. Raffee, K.A. Alhadidi, R.A. Al-Hamad and Y.T. Eldos, 2017. Analysis of Patients Presenting to Referral Emergency Department with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Jordan. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 11: 198-202.