[Acute carbon monoxide poisoning].

Carbon monoxide is one of the most common cause of poisoning both in industry and in homes. About 75-80% of cases of acute oxicarbonism occur in homes. The chief domestic source of poisoning was in the past the escape of illuminating gas, today the incomplete combustion of methane or GPL. On the basis of personal experience the authors illustrate the kinetics of absorption and the mechanism of action of CO, the clinical pattern of acute poisoning and the elements of prognostic value. A careful distinction must be done between acute oxicarbonism and acute intoxication from fire-smoke at the physiopathological, clinical and therapeutic level.