CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND SMOKE INHALATION Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment is indicated for the following signs and symptoms: Alteration in Mental Status Neurological Signs Cardiovascular Dysfunction Pulmonary Edema Severe Acidosis Carboxyhemoglobin Levels in Excess of 25% Patients who manifest any of the first five signs listed above should be referred for HBO2 treatment irrespective of their carboxyhemoglobin level. Treatment is most effective when initiated within six hours of exposure. RATIONALE: HBO2 treatment must be predicated more on the clinical picture than the carboxyhemoglobin levels. HBO2 hastens the disassociation of carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes and other hemoproteins. At sea level, oxygen has not been shown to antagonize lipid peroxide while HBO2 does. HBO2 also provides tissue oxygenation via saturated plasma. Source: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Committee Report. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. 1996 Revision. Approved Indications Air or Gas Embolism Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Smoke Inhalation Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Complicated by Cyanide Poisoning Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene) Crush Injury, Compartment Syndrome, Acute Traumatic Ischemias Decompression Sickness (the "Bends") Enhancement of Healing in Selected Problem Wounds Exceptional Blood Loss (Anemia) Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections Osteomyelitis (Refractory) Radiation Tissue Damage (Osteoradionecrosis) Skin Grafts and Flaps (Compromised) Thermal Burns Chico Hyperbaric Center Telephone: Email: Chico Hyperbaric Center Web Site Developed & Hosted by Access Now 2000. Copyright © 1999-2001. All Rights Reserved. #