IFEM - Stephen R. Thom, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine Chief, Hyperbaric Medicine Research Interests Pathophysiology of CO poisoning and the mechanism for benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Summary of Research Program Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death by poisoning in the U.S. and survivors are at risk for developing a variety of complications.
Hyperbaric oxygen appears to reduce mortality and morbidity.
Our attempts to broaden the knowledge base regarding these issues include biochemical, physiological, and clinical studies. Laboratory studies are directed toward an elucidation of the mechanism for CO mediated vascular insult and oxidative injury using rat models. Biochemical studies are being done to determine the mechanism for benefit of hyperbaric oxygen in this model and in the clinical setting. A clinical study is also underway to evaluate plasma markers that may predict CO-associated neurological sequelae. Additional studies are investigating the mechanism of CO injury to the vascular endothelium.