Carbon monoxide poisoning in Morocco during 1999–2007

Abstract 

Introduction

Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication is one of the most common types of poisoning in the modern world. The aim of the present study is to describe the evolution of CO poisoning during a period between January 1999 and December 2007 based on data collected from result of toxicological analysis in the laboratory of toxicology in the National Institute of Health in Morocco.

Materials and methods

This study was based on autopsies samples sent to the laboratory of forensic toxicology covering the time period January 1999 to December 2007. Cases were analyzed according to the following criteria: age, region, month, gender, presence or not of autopsy report and post mortem blood carbon monoxide determination.

Result

From January 1999 to December 2007, 139 out of the 4402 analysis performed were recorded as acute CO intoxications. Cases (93.5%) were classified as accident (E859). Hundred percentage of our cases were exclusively due to gaze inhalation. Circumstances of intoxications were described in autopsy report which is found in 41% (57 cases). Males predominated in accidental poisoning with 77 cases (55%) while females represented 62 cases (44%). the most represented city was Rabat with 48 cases (34%), followed by Casablanca with 20 cases (14.4%). the highest frequency of CO deaths was found in February and March with 29 cases (20.9%) and 28 cases (20.1%), respectively. The highest poisoning frequency was recorded for the age mean 34± years old. The average of carbon monoxide concentration was 5.76±4.3ml/100ml of blood. Males predominated in accidental poisoning with 77 cases (55%) while females represented 62 cases (44%).

Conclusion

Acute carbon monoxide intoxication is too dangerous because of its speed in addition to the particularities of carbon monoxide which is one of many ubiquitous contaminants of our environment that requires prevention and control measures inside and outside to insure adequate protection of public health.

Keywords: Carbon monoxide (CO), Forensic toxicology, Acute poisoning, Inhalation