Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF) on cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Methods 35 patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning were randomly divided into treatment group (n=18) and control group (n=18). Both groups accepted hyperbaric oxygen and medication, while the treatment group was injected with mNGF 20 mg a day in addition for 12 weeks. They were assessed with Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Asessment (LOTCA) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment. Results The scores of LOTCA and MBI improved more in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion mNGF can obviously improve cognitive function and ADL for patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

Key words: delayed encephalopathy, carbon monoxide poisoning, mouse nerve growth factor, activities of daily living, cognitive functio