What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy could treat systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) following hand replantation and assessed long-term hand function in two patients.
What They Found
Two male patients in their twenties underwent hand replantation after severe injuries and subsequently developed SIRS. Both patients received three consecutive 90-minute hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions at 2.4 ATA over three days. After HBOT, both patients showed significant improvement in vital signs and laboratory results, with long-term follow-up up to five years indicating satisfying hand function based on low DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) scores.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients undergoing hand replantation who develop systemic inflammatory response syndrome, HBOT might offer a potential treatment to improve their immediate condition and support long-term hand recovery. This suggests HBOT could be a valuable adjunctive therapy in complex post-surgical care for severe hand injuries.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
As a case report involving only two patients, the findings of this study cannot be generalized to a larger population.