What's New in Pediatric Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is a potent toxin that has no warning signs for humans, and therefore, it poses a particular risk when hydrocarbon-containing fuels undergo incomplete combustion. Despite advances in CO detection, residential alarms cannot rule out low-level, chronic exposure, and the clinician must maintain a high index of suspicion for this often insidious toxin. Treatment should focus on removal of the patient from the source of CO poisoning; administration of NBOT and other supportive care; and consideration of HBOT. Despite research on risk factors, treatment, biomarkers, and sequelae, CO remains an environmental threat with significant morbidity and mortality for children.