Response to: To dive or not to dive? Use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to prevent neurologic sequelae in patients acutely poisoned with carbon monoxide.

摘要

We generally enjoy the Evidence-Based Emergency Medicine section of Annals for its concise reviews and EBEM teaching points. We read with interest the recent article on the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to prevent neurologic sequelae in carbon monoxide-poisoned patients. We found the description of and commentary on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to be a well-reasoned evaluation of the currently available literature. We agree particularly with the last paragraph of the commentary that states, "Based on the results of this Cochrane Review, hyperbaric oxygen therapy should not be used routinely in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Some patients, in particular those with moderate to severe poisoning, may benefit from treatment with hyperbaric oxygen."