Abstract

GARCIA ROSOLEN, Nerina et al. Carboxihemoglobinemia como hallazgo de laboratorio en un paciente ambulatorio. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2022, vol.56, n.2, pp.195-199. ISSN 0325-2957.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas produced mainly by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Poisoning from environmental exposure can present with nonspecific symptoms and is the most important cause of increased carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Its blood level depends on the duration of exposure, minute ventilation, and the concentrations of CO and oxygen in the environment. The high toxicity lies in the tissue hypoxia that is generated. The case of a male patient, 73 years old, under follow-up in the hospital for non-specific interstitial pneumonia as the underlying pathology was presented. In a laboratory control, COHb 11,9% was found. There was no exposure to tobacco and there was no use of gas heating but of an electric ceramic panel, recently painted with synthetic enamel type paint. The suspension of the use of the panel normalised the COHb. The CO product of thermal decomposition of synthetic enamel explains the cause of poisoning.

Keywords : Carbon monoxide; Carboxyhemoglobin; Accidental exposure; Intoxication; Synthetic enamel.

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