What Researchers Did
This retrospective study analyzed data from 45,913 patients in the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample to determine the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy on outcomes in necrotising soft tissue infections (NSTI).
What They Found
Patients with NSTI who received HBO2 therapy had a significantly lower mortality rate (4.5% vs. 9.4%). After adjusting for confounders, HBO2 therapy was associated with a 49% reduced risk of dying (odds ratio 0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.83), despite leading to higher hospitalization costs (US$52,205 vs. US$45,464) and a longer length of stay (14.3 days vs. 10.7 days).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients suffering from necrotising soft tissue infections, this study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could significantly improve survival rates. While it may involve longer hospital stays and increased costs, the potential reduction in mortality could be a critical benefit.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted using data from the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample and has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective analysis, this study is limited by its observational nature and the potential for unmeasured confounding factors.