Objective:
To evaluate the epidemiologic, clinical, and evolutionary profile of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in a general pediatric ward.
Methods:
Retrospective descriptive study including patients admitted to the department of pediatrics and neonatology of Habib Bougatfa Hospital in Bizerta (Tunisia) over a period of 3 years from 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2021.
Results:
Our study included 21 patients. The incidence of CO poisoning was 0.5%. The sex ratio was 0.96 (M/F). Mean age was 3.5 years. The intoxication occurred during spring in the majority of cases. The highest incidence rate was in May. Main cause of CO poisoning was poorly functioning heating system. The majority of the cases occurred in the afternoon. All cases of intoxication occurred in the patient's home. The time delay between the intoxication and the consultation was 3 hours. Principle symptoms presented were drowsiness and confusion. Respiratory distress was noted in 2 patients. Liver damage was noticed in one child. Mean Carboxyhemoglobin level was 12.8%. Six patients were discharged against medical advice. Referral to an intensive care unit was needed for two children. All patients performed oxygenothrapy with facial mask. Hyper bare oxygen therapy was performed in four cases. Mean length of stay in hospital was 39 hours. The evolution was favorable in the majority of cases. Death was noticed in one case.
Conclusion:
CO intoxication remains the main cause of death by intoxication in developing country. Although the evolution was favorable in the majority of cases in our study, education is obligatory to minimize morbidity and mortality.
References:
Unsal Sac R, Taşar MA, Bostancı İ, Şimşek Y, Bilge Dallar Y. Characteristics of Children with Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Ankara: A Single Centre Experience. J Korean Med Sci. 2015;30(12):1836-40.

Carbon monoxide intoxication in children in a Tunisian pediatric unit

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