What Researchers Did
Researchers described a case where a patient with a cervical spinal cord injury receiving intrathecal baclofen for spasticity underwent a 7-week course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for an ischial decubitus ulcer.
What They Found
After the hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient's baclofen infusion pump reservoir volume exceeded computer measurements obtained via telemetry. Examination revealed that intraspinal pressures attained during hyperbaric oxygen therapy produced retrograde leakage of cerebrospinal fluid into the infusion pump reservoir.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian clinicians treating patients with spinal cord injury and intrathecal baclofen pumps should be aware of potential pump volume discrepancies if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is utilized. Close monitoring of pump function and reservoir levels is advisable when these therapies are combined.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The primary limitation of this study is its design as a single case report, which limits the generalizability of the findings.