Age as a predisposing factor of respiratory alkalosis in accidental carbon monoxide poisoning

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of and identify the predisposing factors for respiratory alkalosis in patients with accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Methods: Patients presenting to the emergency department with accidental CO poisoning were retrospectively identified and divided into Group A (no respiratory alkalosis) and Group B (respiratory alkalosis). Charts were reviewed for neurologic status, various demographic factors, and laboratory data. Results: A total 96 patients, 37 (38.5%) men and 59 (61.5%) women, were identified. Of these, the 58 (60.4%) patients without respiratory alkalosis were placed in Group A and the 38 (39.6%) patients with respiratory alkalosis were placed in Group B. Independent multivariate predictors of CO poisoning presenting with respiratory alkalosis were age [odds ratio (OR), 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.08] and respiratory rate (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33). The rates of respiratory alkalosis in patients younger than 15 years, 15-29 years, 30-44 years, 45-59 years, and older than 59 years were 17.4%, 32.4%, 51.9%, 75%, and 75%, respectively (p