What’s already known about this topic?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is naturally synthesized in the body and plays an
important role in the regulation of physiological functions such as
vasodilation, angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, protection against
tissue damage, and modulation of the inflammatory response.
Approximately 85% of CO is produced by heme oxygenase and is excreted
from the body through the respiratory system. In critical diseases such
as acute respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
acute pulmonary embolism, and acute myocardial infarction, low initial
endogenous carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level has been associated with high
mortality and poor prognosis . The leading causes of morbidity and
mortality in COVID-19 are acute respiratory failure, microthombi, and
cardiac involvement.