What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively reviewed patient records from 1993 to 2002 to compare outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, and costs, for Fournier's gangrene patients treated with or without adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
Of 42 patients, overall disease-specific mortality was 21.4%, with 12.5% in the non-HBO group (16 patients) and 26.9% in the HBO group (26 patients). Three or more complications occurred in 13% of non-HBO and 19% of HBO cases, while skin graft failure rates were 6% and 8% respectively. Physical disability was a statistically significant predictor of extended hospital stay (p <0.01).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not improve mortality or complication rates for Fournier's gangrene. Canadian patients should discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers, considering the severe nature of the disease and the available evidence.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The retrospective design of this study means it is susceptible to selection bias and unmeasured confounding factors, which could influence the observed outcomes.