Delayed neurological sequelae (DNS) is a devastating consequence following acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This study aims at exploring the independent predictors of DNS in patients with CO exposure.

Data of patients with diagnosis of CO poisoning was retrospectively collected and reviewed in 5 regional medical facilities. Patients were classified into the DNS group and non-DNS group according to clinical findings during a follow-up period of 6 months. Demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies were compared to identify possible correlative factors. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of DNS.

We screened 1129 patients and enrolled 326 cases (158 males, average age 44.56 ± 16.08 years) in the analysis. Thirty-seven (11.35%) developed DNS at a median interval of 33 days. Uni-variable analysis identified older age, higher body mass index, hypertension, loss of consciousness, longer CO exposure, lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on-site/at emergency room, and elevation of lactate as relevant factors for DNS; while multivariable logistic regression revealed that older age (OR = 1.11; p < 0.001), longer duration of CO exposure (OR = 1.54; p = 0.023), GCS on-site (OR = 2.06; p < 0.001), and GCS at emergency room (OR = 1.33; p = 0.048) were independent predictors for DNS.

Our multicenter study demonstrated older age, longer duration of CO exposure, and GCS score were independent predictors of DNS in COP patients. GCS scored on-site might be a more sensitive and specific parameter compared with GCS evaluated at the emergency room. Further prospective studies in a larger patient cohort are warranted to draw a comprehensive conclusion.