Clinical characteristics and the risk factors analysis in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning

IntroductionAcute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACMP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality from fatal inhaled poisoning. Delayed encephalopathy after ACMP (DEACMP) has become one of the most complex and serious complications.MethodsIn this research, an observational study was performed from January 2016 to December 2019 to investigate the potential relevant risk factors of DEACMP with data collected from Level 3 medical facilities located in Northern China. Within the 4-year data collection period, the final study cohort consisted of 240 (117 males, 123 females).ResultsUni-variable analysis identified older age, medical history of cerebrovascular accident, basic disease of diabetes, and longer duration of loss of consciousness as relevant factors for DEACMP; while multivariable logistic regression revealed that the older age (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.25-1.69; <i>P</i> < 0.01), longer duration of loss of consciousness (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.36-1.45; <i>P</i> < 0.01), and cerebrovascular accidents occurring (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03-1.47; <i>P</i> = 0.04) were independent predictors for DEACMP.DiscussionFurthermore, additional research is needed to testify to the relevance and to elucidate the potential pathogenesis, consequently determining the clinical guideline and approving the best prevention and treatment strategy for DEACMP.