Sohn CH, et al. – This paper contemplated the prevalence, clinical effects and risk factors for developing aspiration pneumonia in carbon monoxide poisoning patients with loss of consciousness. It was deduced that the prevalence of aspiration pneumonia was 19.2% in carbon monoxide poisoning patients, with loss of consciousness. It correlated with poor outcomes. The altered mental status on emergency department arrival, white blood cells, and increased exposure duration exhibited an independent link with the development of aspiration pneumonia.

Methods

• This research comprised of a retrospective analysis of a carbon monoxide poisoning registry.
• It was carried out at an emergency department from January, 2008 to December, 2015.
• It included all adult carbon monoxide poisoning patients with loss of consciousness.

Results

• Aspiration pneumonia developed in 103 (19.2%) of 537 patients.
• It correlated with increased ventilator use (52.4 vs. 3.2%), length of hospital stay (3.6 (2.1-5.1) vs. 1.3 (0.6-2.1) days), and in-hospital mortality (5.8 vs. 0.0%) (all, P < .001).
• Altered mental status on emergency department arrival, white blood cells, and increased exposure duration were the independent factors related to the development of aspiration pneumonia; odds ratios were 9.46 (95% CI, 4.92-18.19; P < .001), 1.19 (95% CI, 1.13-1.26; P < .001), and 1.12 (95% CI, 1.06-1.19; P < .001), respectively.
• The odds ratio was increased up to 17.75 (95% CI, 10.65-29.59; P < .001), for painful or unresponsive mental status and white blood cells > 12,000/mm³.