Cyanide poisoning by fire smoke inhalation: A European expert consensus
(2013) European Journal of Emergency Medicine — Vol. 20, n° 1, p. 2-9 (2013)
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- Abstract
- Smoke inhalation is a common cause of cyanide poisoning during fires, resulting in injury and even death. In many cases of smoke inhalation, cyanide has increasingly been recognized as a significant toxicant. The diagnosis of cyanide poisoning remains very difficult, and failure to recognize it may result in inadequate or inappropriate treatment. Findings suggesting cyanide toxicity include the following: (a) a history of enclosed-space fire; (b) any alteration in the level of consciousness; (c) any cardiovascular changes (particularly inexplicable hypotension); and (d) elevated plasma lactate. The feasibility and safety of empiric treatment with hydroxocobalamin for fire smoke victims have been reported in the literature. On the basis of a literature review and a panel discussion, a group of European experts has proposed emergency management protocols for cyanide toxicity in fire smoke victims. © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
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Anseeuw, K., Delvau, N., Burillo-Putze, G., De Iaco, F., Geldner, G., Holmström, P., Lambert, Y., & Sabbe, M. (2013). Cyanide poisoning by fire smoke inhalation: A European expert consensus. European Journal of Emergency Medicine, 20(1), 2-9. https://doi.org/10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328357170b (Original work published 2013)