Factors affecting the prognosis of patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

Abstract: Objective: Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) is a disease with poor prognosis. The present study was conducted to determine the factors that affect the prognosis of DEACMP patients. Methods: In a retrospective study, 46 DEACMP patients were chosen by the following criteria: (1) a clear history of acute carbon monoxide poisoning, a distinct “lucid interval,” and neuropsychologic symptoms; (2) first-time admittance to a hospital (within 1 week of onset of disease); and (3) completion of standard treatment period in our hospital. All patients received hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) treatments. Results: Fifty percent (23 of 46) of the DEACMP patients showed improvements after HBO₂ treatments. Age, lucid interval, danger–activities of daily living scores (assessed at worst conditions), and complications were related (P < .05) to the prognosis of DEACMP patients, whereas sex, fundamental diseases, HBO₂ treatment in acute stage, intoxication time, unconsciousness duration, and GM1 ganglioside administration were not (P > .05) related to prognosis. Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment appears useful in treating DEACMP patients; and patients with greater age and more complications, but shorter lucid interval and less danger–activities of daily living scores, are more likely to have poor prognosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]