CO Poisoning:


The Acute CO Poisoning Study of Meigs & Hughes, 1952 (cont.):

Table 2. Analysis of Selected Admission Findings.

Condition No. of Cases Condition No. of Cases
  • Abnormal Mental Status
  • Nervous System Abnormalities
    • Comatose* 46 Abnormal reflexes* 73
    Semicomatose 28 Abnormal eye signs* 43
    Disorientation 11 Tremor or shivering 30
    Excited 5 Spasticity* 24
    Depressed 5 Incontinence* 21
    Apprehensive 3 Paralyses* 15
    Cheyne-Stokes respirations* 9
    Muscle fibrillation 3
    Athetosis 3
  • Pupillary Size
  • Other Eye Signs:
    • Contracted 14 Nystagmus 5
    Dilated 10 Absent corneal reflex 3
    Unequal 5 Strabismus 3
    Irregular 4 Ptosis (one or both sides) 2
    Pupillary reactions sluggish to light 10
    Pupils do not react to light 1
  • Abnormal Skin Color
  • Abnormal Mucous Membranes
    • Cyanotic* 48 Red or injected pharynx 36
    Flushed 28 Edema of the oropharynx 4
    Pink 13 Sore mouth or throat 4
    Cherry lips or skin 14 Beefy tongue 2
    Pale 9 Ulcer on tongue 2
    Blister on tongue 1
    Bleeding gums 1

    * Positive correlation with severity.


    Source: Meigs, J.W. & Hughes, J.P.W. (1952) Acute carbon monoxide poisoning: An analysis of one hundred five cases. Arch. Industr. Hyg. & Occupat. Med., 6, 344-356.


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