Carbon Monoxide Intoxication

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) is routine treatment of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning to prevent delayed neurological sequelae. This study looking to see if neurologic outcomes are improved with the addition of dexamethasone. CO poisoning can initiate a free radical mediated process that can instigate a demyelinating process resulting in long term neurological sequelae in some, but not all patients. In other demyelinating disorders, steroids are a part of first line treatment. HBO is already used for acute CO poisoning, so this pilot study will try to ascertain if the addition of steroids in concert with each hyperbaric oxygen session will yield improved outcomes.

The main goal of COCAP is to compare COHb (carboxyhemoglobin) levels measured from venous or arterial samples with those measured from capillary samples in patients suspected of Carbon Monoxide intoxication.Patient participation in the study will be limited to capillary sampling (approx. 5-15 minutes).