Cyanide Poisoning

Cyanide poisoning carries a high risk of mortality. Victims of smoke inhalation frequently suffer from both carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning. The traditional antidote for cyanide poisoning is the infusion of sodium nitrite. This treatment can potentially impair the oxygen carrying capacity of hemoglobin. Using HBO as an adjunct therapy adds the benefit of increased plasma dissolved oxygen. HBO benefit for the pulmonary injury related to smoke inhalation remains experimental. The HBO treatment protocol is to administer oxygen at 2.5 to 3.0 atm for up to 120 minutes during the initial treatment. Most patients with combination cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning will receive only one treatment.

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