REVIEW PAPER
Management of acute intoxication with carbon monoxide – Polish Medical Society, Section of Clinical Toxicology position statement
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1
Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
(Department of Clinical Toxicology)
2
Pomeranian Center of Toxicology, Gdańsk, Poland
3
Regional Specialist Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, Poland
(Department of Toxicology with the Acute Poisoning Unit)
4
Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
(Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze)
5
Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
(Department of Pharmacology)
6
Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
(National Center for Hyperbaric Medicine, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine)
Online publication date: 2025-11-03
Corresponding author
Natalia Pawlas
Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Jordana 38,
41-808 Zabrze, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):457-73
HIGHLIGHTS
- Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a critical health hazard.
- Initiation of 100% normobaric oxygen is crucial in patients.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not mandatory for patients but should be considered.
- HBOT within 200 min cuts delayed neuro sequelae risk nearly 20-fold.
- Pregnancy needs 5-fold longer O₂, HBOT is mandatory regardless of carboxyhemoglobin.
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ABSTRACT
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains a significant public health concern, often leading to both acute and delayed neurological and cardiac complications.This article presents the official position statement of the Section of Clinical Toxicology of the Polish Medical Society regarding the management of acute CO poisoning, with particular emphasis on oxygen therapy. The cornerstone of CO poisoning treatment is the immediate initiation of
normobaric oxygen therapy using 100% oxygen at the highest possible flow rate, preferably via a non-rebreather mask. Oxygen administration should
continue until the carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level drops to approx. 3%, but for no less than 6 h. In pregnant patients, extended oxygen therapy is recommended due to slower fetal CO elimination. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not mandatory in all cases but should be considered in selected
patients-primarily those with persistent neurological or cardiac symptoms or metabolic acidosis despite normobaric oxygen, regardless of COHb levels.
In pregnant women, HBOT is always indicated, irrespective of COHb concentration or clinical presentation. When indicated, the first HBOT session should be performed as soon as possible – ideally within 6 h of exposure-taking into account the availability of hyperbaric facilities and transport logistics. This article provides detailed, practical recommendations for the management of CO poisoning, highlighting the essential role of normobaric
oxygen therapy and the complementary use of HBOT in appropriately selected cases. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):457–73