What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 14 immunocompromised patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) as part of multimodal therapy for invasive fungal infections over a 12-year period.
What They Found
Of the 14 patients, 13 underwent surgery and all received antifungal therapy in addition to HBO. Seven of the 14 patients survived the infection, and no patient developed complications due to HBO therapy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could potentially serve as an adjunct treatment for Canadian patients suffering from severe invasive fungal infections, particularly when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. However, its role as a standard of care is not yet established, and its application should be considered individually.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted at a single center outside of Canada, therefore it has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's small sample size, retrospective design, and single-center nature limit the generalizability of its findings regarding the utility of hyperbaric oxygen in invasive fungal infections.