Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Noninvasive continuous positive pressure ventilation decreased carbon monoxide levels faster than a nonrebreather mask.

Typical management of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning includes oxygen supplementation to decrease CO levels. However, evidence for hyperbaric oxygen has been inconsistent, and data are lacking for noninvasive ventilation.

To evaluate the utility of noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation in CO-poisoned patients, researchers in Turkey performed a quasi-randomized study. Adults presenting with CO levels between 20% and 35% were placed on either 15 L/minute oxygen by nonrebreather mask (NRB) or CPAP at 100% FiO₂ and 5 cm of positive end-expiratory pressure for 90 minutes. Exclusions were pregnancy, altered mental status, chronic respiratory problems, and refusal to participate.

Among 45 patients enrolled over 1 year (av…

Reviewing Author

Benton R. Hunter, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Chair, Evidence Based Healthcare Interest Group)

Benton R. Hunter, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Chair, Evidence Based Healthcare Interest Group)

Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

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Reviewing Author