Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Geriatric Patients

Objectives: In response to the continuous growth in the elderly population, the problem of carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) in the elderly, a hitherto understudied issue, is begnning to receive deserved attention. The study accordingly aimed at delineating the clinical characteristics of COP and identifying predictors of neurological sequelae in geriatric patients with COP. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at four hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Data were collected from patients with COP between November 1990 and October 2011. Thirty-day neurological sequelae were the primary endpoints. Results: Eighty-eight geriatric patients were identified; 59% had neurological sequelae; initial manifestations of COP included loss of consciousness (69.3%), altered mental status (44.3%), dizziness (39.8%), incontinence (37.5%), nausea/vomiting (34.1%), positive for Babinski's reflex (22.7%), headache (20.5%), and absent pupil reflex (9.1%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age was not predictive, while loss of consciousness was a positive (OR: 11.4; 95% CI: 3.4-37.5) and headache a negative (OR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.7) predictor. Conclusion: This study delineates the clinical characteristics and two independent predictors of neurological sequelae for geriatric patients with COP. These are important references for clinical practice and may help physicians make decisions in the treatment and prognosis of geriatric patients with COP.