Abstract
Background: Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is a frequent cause of intoxication. However, CO poisoning incidence is globally underreported, as well as its features, especially in Italy. The aim of this study was to investigate such characteristics of CO intoxication and foster the creation of the Italian Registry of Carbon Monoxide Poisonings. Methods: A data collection tool was developed and organized in five sections: Patient’s characteristics; CO intoxication modality; emergency medical service and emergency department; hyperbaric facility; outcomes. The tool was validated through a retrospective analysis, including CO intoxicated patients treated in 14 Italian hyperbaric facilities between 2015 and 2016. Results: A total of 1383 patients were included. The high completion ratio (85%) of the collection tool suggests its feasibility in practical terms. CO intoxications were mostly accidental (93.64%) and caused by solid fuel (48.59%). There was not a uniform application of hyperbaric oxygen treatment protocols, but most of the patients were adequately treated at least at 2.5 ATA for more than 60 min (44.97%). Conclusion: This analysis provided new information that was previously unavailable in this country. Furthermore, this tool proved to be a valid base for future registry aiming to consolidate the body of knowledge about CO intoxications in Italy.
Highlights
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is increasingly recognized as a hazardous and relatively common cause of intoxication
A data collection tool focused on the treatment of Carbon Monoxide (CO) intoxications with Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) was created through a Delphi method during six workshops from December 2015 to December 2017
We developed and retrospectively tested a data collection tool as the basis of the Italian Registry of Carbon Monoxide Poisonings (IRCOP)
Summary
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is increasingly recognized as a hazardous and relatively common cause of intoxication. In the United States, CO is estimated to poison about 50,000 patients per year, with mortality ranging between about 1000 and 2000 people per year [1,2]. Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is a frequent cause of intoxication. The aim of this study was to investigate such characteristics of CO intoxication and foster the creation of the Italian Registry of Carbon Monoxide Poisonings. Methods: A data collection tool was developed and organized in five sections: Patient’s characteristics; CO intoxication modality; emergency medical service and emergency department; hyperbaric facility; outcomes. The tool was validated through a retrospective analysis, including CO intoxicated patients treated in 14 Italian hyperbaric facilities between 2015 and 2016. There was not a uniform application of hyperbaric oxygen treatment protocols, but most of the patients were adequately treated at least at
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