Acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning treated with hyperbaric oxygen.

Abstract

The authors report 10 cases of accidental exposure to H2S. Local H2S concentration was still 600 mg/m34 after the accident. Five of the victims died at the site of the exposure. Of the other 5, 4 lost consciousness for 2 to 20 min with accompanying heart damage. One fell into deep coma and regained consciousness only after four HBO treatments during 48 h; heart, liver, and renal damage were observed subsequently. All patients recovered uneventfully after HBO therapy in combination with the use of nitrites. Subsequent follow-up to date reveals no abnormalities.