Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause neurologic and cardiovascular toxicity. It is produce by combustion of organic materials/fuel such as natural gas (furnace, gas stove, water heater, space heater) or gasoline. DVT/PE has been reported among victims of CO poisoning.
A recently published article investigated the risk of DVT/PE after CO poisoning.
Study design: cohort-cross over study (cross over at 1 year after CO poisoning)
Setting: South Korea
Data source: National Health Insurance Service database
Results
22,699 patients with CO poisoning were identified between 2004 and 2015
30 days after CO poisoning
Risk of PE: OR of 22.0; 95% CI: 5.33 to 90.75
Risk of DVT: OR of 10.33; 95% CI: 3.16 to 33.80
90 days after CO poisoning
Risk of PE/DVT: OR of 3.96; 95% CI: 2.5 to 6.25
No significant increase in risk > 90 days.
Conclusion
Patients are at highest risk of developing PE/DVT during first 30 days after CO poisoning.
Increased risk of PE/DVT persisted up to 90 days after CO poisoning.
References
Cho Y et al. Risk of venous thromboembolism after carbon monoxide poisoning: a nationwide population-based study. Ann of Emerg Med. 2020;75:587-596.
