Unexpected COHb Levels in monoxide related death: About Two Cases
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains a significant global issue, often linked to the use of
gas heaters during winter, representing one of the most prevalent causes of fatal poisonings
worldwide (termed the "silent killer"). These case reports focuse on two 16-yearold individuals. In the first case, despite carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels falling below
typically fatal thresholds, the individual succumbed to death. Conversely, the second case
displayed levels indicative of acute CO poisoning. Autopsy unveiled signs of asphyxiation and
hemorrhagic lesions in this individual. Or Autopsies unveiled signs of asphyxiation and
hemorrhagic lesions in both individuals. The toxicological analysis, conducted using the COOXIMETER device, accounted for potential chemical interferences. Variables including preexisting medical conditions and medical interventions were explored to comprehend the
spectrum of COHb levels. This study illuminates the intricacies surrounding CO-related
fatalities and underscores the significance of considering a multitude of factors for an accurate
interpretation of CO poisoning deaths
References
DN, Teixeira HM. Carbon monoxide
poisoning
as a cause of death and differential
diagnosis in the forensic practice: A
retrospective
study, 2000–2010. J Forensic Leg Med. mai
2014;24:1‑6.
2. Mattiuzzi C, Lippi G. Worldwide
epidemiology of carbon monoxide
poisoning. Hum
Exp Toxicol. avr 2020;39(4):387‑92.
3. Kinoshita H, Türkan H, Vucinic S, Naqvi
S, Bedair R, Rezaee R, et al. Carbon
monoxide poisoning. Toxicol Rep.
2020;7:169‑73.
Avicenna Medical Research vol 03, issue 02 (2024): 78-82
82
4. Singh OG, Chaudhari K, Rathod J. An
autopsy case of carbon monoxide
poisoning: A
case report. IP Int J Forensic Med Toxicol
Sci. 28 mai 2023;8(1):44‑6.
5. Janík M, Ublová M, Kučerová Š, Hejna P.
Carbon monoxide-related fatalities: A 60-
year single institution experience. J
Forensic Leg Med. 1 mai 2017;48:23‑9.
6. Bleecker ML. Carbon monoxide
intoxication. Handb Clin Neurol.
2015;131:191‑203.
7. Boumba VA, Vougiouklakis T. Evaluation
of the Methods Used for
Carboxyhemoglobin Analysis in
Postmortem Blood. Int J Toxicol. juill
2005;24(4):275‑81.
8. Olson KN, Hillyer MA, Kloss JS,
Geiselhart RJ, Apple FS. Accident or Arson:
Is COOximetry Reliable for Carboxyhemoglobin
Measurement Postmortem? Clin Chem. 1
avr 2010;56(4):515‑9.
9. Nielsen PR, Gheorghe A, Lynnerup N.
Forensic aspects of carbon monoxide
poisoning
by charcoal burning in Denmark, 2008–
2012: an autopsy based study. Forensic Sci
Med Pathol. 1 sept 2014;10(3):390‑4.
10. Oliverio S. Carbon monoxide
poisonings: exploring new approaches for
quantification
and evaluating measurement errors from
an analytical and epidemiological point of
view [Internet] [Thesis]. Brunel University
London; 2020 [cité 27 nov 2023].
Disponible sur:
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/20
733
11. Fazekas AS, Wewalka M, Zauner C,
Funk GC. Carboxyhemoglobin levels in
medical
intensive care patients: a retrospective,
observational study. Crit Care.
2012;16(1):R6.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
