What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a voluntary cross-sectional online survey among 265 Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society members to assess hyperbaric oxygen therapy regimens, treated conditions, and adverse effects.
What They Found
The majority of respondents (35.2%) reported using 2.4 ATA as their pressure of choice, while 2.0 ATA was overwhelmingly preferred for conditions like osteoradionecrosis of the jaw and diabetic foot ulcers (68.0-74.9%). Myopia was the most common adverse effect reported at 24.4%, followed by barotrauma (14.9%) and confinement anxiety (11.5%).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study provides insight into common hyperbaric oxygen therapy practices and associated adverse effects, which can help inform patient discussions about potential treatment approaches and risks. Understanding the prevalence of certain side effects like myopia and barotrauma can help patients prepare for and monitor their treatment.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it surveyed members of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, without specific Canadian participation noted.
Study Limitations
The study's cross-sectional survey design, relying on voluntary responses, may not fully represent all hyperbaric oxygen therapy practices and could be subject to reporting bias.