Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in carbon monoxide poisoning – Does it really matter?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that can lead to fulminant and life-threatening intoxications. Besides an early diagnosis, an appropriate treatment of the intoxication is important. In this context the reduction of CO concentration in blood and tissues is crucial revealing hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO) as a highly promising tool. However, the benefit of HBO in CO intoxications is still considered controversial. In this review, we discuss the evidence of the role of HBO treatment in isolated CO intoxication. • This article reviews publications concerning diagnosis, therapy and outcome of carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. • This article discusses the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in carbon monoxide intoxication. • This article concludes that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recommended in specific cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]