What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct treatment for hypoxic wounds.
What They Found
The review included 57 studies (7 randomized controlled trials, 16 nonrandomized studies, 34 case series) involving over 2000 patients. Results suggest hyperbaric oxygen may benefit chronic nonhealing diabetic wounds, compromised skin grafts, osteoradionecrosis, soft tissue radionecrosis, and gas gangrene, though serious adverse events like seizures and pneumothorax, and a few deaths, were reported.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with specific chronic nonhealing wounds, such as diabetic wounds or compromised skin grafts, might consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment option. However, they should be aware of potential serious adverse events like seizures and lung trauma, and discuss these risks thoroughly with their healthcare providers.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The overall quality of the included studies was poor, with most lacking adequate controls, and none using wound tissue hypoxia as an inclusion criterion.