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Carbon monoxide poisoning

Prevalence
Clinical features
Investigations
Therapy
Prognosis
Prognosis

In pregnancy, mild toxicity has little effect on the foetus. However toxicity severe enough to cause maternal unconsciousness increases the risk of foetal death or anoxia. c

Note:

  • In one study, no pregnant women who had mild symptoms had a stillbirth or a child that had foetal anoxia . (0%: 95% CI: 0% to 9%)
  • Around 30% of pregnant women exposed to CO who have hyperbaric oxygen will still have at least 1 symptom of poisoning after one month. Around 8% will have an abnormal birth. c

 

Expiry date: January 2004
Levels of Evidence used in grading these guides

Authors   J   Ray , C   Ball
Reviewer   C D   Scheinkestel
CAT Writers   J   Ray , C   Ball