J Korean Med Sci.  2023 Apr;38(15):e125. 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e125.

Prevalence of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Korea: Analysis of National Claims Data in 2010–2019

• Han E
• Yu G
• Lee HS
• Park G
• Chung SP

• KMID: 2541560
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e125

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and the provision of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in South Korea. We used data from the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment service. In total, 44,361 patients with CO poisoning were identified across 10 years (2010–2019). The prevalence of CO poisoning was found to be 8.64/10,000 people, with a gradual annual increment. The highest prevalence was 11.01/10,000 individuals, among those aged 30–39 years. In 2010, HBOT was claimed from 15 hospitals, and increased to 30 hospitals in 2019. A total of 4,473 patients received HBOT in 10 years and 2,684 (60%) were treated for more than 2 hours. This study suggested that the prevalence of both CO poisoning and HBOT in Korea gradually increased over the past 10 years, and disparities in prevalence were observed by region.

Keyword

Poisoning; Carbon Monoxide; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Prevalence

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The prevalence of carbon monoxide poisoning and hyperbaric oxygen treatment by year.

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  Fig. 2 The period prevalence (per 10,000 people for 10 years) by region. (A) Carbon monoxide poisoning and (B) hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

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