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Immediate and Delayed Neuropsychological Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Meta-analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2017

Stephanie Watt ,
Catherine E. Prado  and
Simon F. Crowe
Stephanie Watt
Affiliation:
School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
Catherine E. Prado
Affiliation:
School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
Simon F. Crowe*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Simon F. Crowe, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086 Australia. E-mail: s.crowe@latrobe.edu.au
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Abstract

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning worldwide. This study undertook a meta-analysis to examine differences in neuropsychological functioning in patients with CO poisoning as compared to healthy controls, and examined the longer-term neuropsychological effects of CO poisoning. Methods: Studies performed between the years 1995 and 2016 were identified through a search of the electronic databases Medline and PsycInfo. Data from the papers identified were pooled to determine standard mean differences using a random-effects model. Results: Ten studies were included in the analysis, with healthy controls performing significantly better than CO poisoned participants on the domains of divided attention, immediate memory, and processing speed. No statistically significant differences were found for sustained attention, recent memory, working memory, visuospatial/constructional ability, and expressive language. Performance by participants with CO poisoning for the domains of sustained attention, recent memory, visuospatial/constructional abilities, and working memory significantly improved over time after initial exposure, demonstrating recovery of these functions over time. No statistically significant differences were evident for divided attention or expressive language. Conclusions: This evidence indicates that healthy controls perform better than do individuals with CO poisoning on a range of neuropsychological domains; however, it also indicates that performance in some domains does improve over time. (JINS, 2018, 24, 405–415)

Keywords

Carbon monoxide poisoningCognitive domainsNeuropsychological functionAnoxiaHypoxiaExcitotoxicity
Type
Critical Reviews
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 24 , Issue 4 , April 2018 , pp. 405 - 415
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2017 

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