The Efficacy of Dexamethasone in Combination With N-acetylcysteine in Preventing Neurocognitive Sequelae Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Background and Aim: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a significant public health issue that can cause delayed neuropsychological sequelae (DNS). DNS mechanisms involve oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune injury. Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy is widely used, its efficacy in preventing DNS remains inconclusive. Preclinical and retrospective studies suggest that Dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive) and N-acetylcysteine (antioxidant) may reduce DNS risk. This study hypothesizes that their combination can effectively prevent DNS. Methods: This prospective pre-post intervention study will enroll CO poisoning patients into treatment (Dexamethasone + N-acetylcysteine) and control groups. The primary outcome is the incidence of DNS within six weeks post-treatment. Objective: To determine whether combining Dexamethasone and N-acetylcysteine reduces the incidence of DNS following CO poisoning.