What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed the current standing and established indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO).
What They Found
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been an important therapeutic tool for over thirty years, improving tissue oxygenation and stimulating wound healing. It is the therapy of choice for conditions like severe carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness, and an adjunctive treatment for osteoradionecrosis and necrotizing fasciitis, with proven efficacy for diabetic lower extremity wounds.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients suffering from severe carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, or arterial gas embolism may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a primary treatment. It also serves as an important adjunctive therapy for conditions such as osteoradionecrosis and diabetic lower extremity wounds, potentially improving outcomes.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a direct Canadian connection as it is a general review of hyperbaric oxygen therapy's standing.
Study Limitations
The study notes that scientific support for many potential uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is limited and requires further investigation.