Factors affecting the prognosis of patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning

Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) is a disease with poor prognosis. The present study was conducted to determine the factors that affect the prognosis of DEACMP patients.In a retrospective study, 46 DEACMP patients were chosen by the following criteria: (1) a clear history of acute carbon monoxide poisoning, a distinct "lucid interval," and neuropsychologic symptoms; (2) first-time admittance to a hospital (within 1 week of onset of disease); and (3) completion of standard treatment period in our hospital. All patients received hyperbaric oxygen (HBO(2)) treatments.Fifty percent (23 of 46) of the DEACMP patients showed improvements after HBO(2) treatments. Age, lucid interval, danger-activities of daily living scores (assessed at worst conditions), and complications were related (P < .05) to the prognosis of DEACMP patients, whereas sex, fundamental diseases, HBO(2) treatment in acute stage, intoxication time, unconsciousness duration, and GM1 ganglioside administration were not (P > .05) related to prognosis.Hyperbaric oxygen treatment appears useful in treating DEACMP patients; and patients with greater age and more complications, but shorter lucid interval and less danger-activities of daily living scores, are more likely to have poor prognosis.