What Researchers Did
Researchers assessed pulmonary function in 18 patients with osteoradionecrosis of the mandible during 6 weeks of daily hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
What They Found
Before treatment, patients had a mean forced vital capacity of 104% and a carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of 81% compared to a reference population (P < 0.05). After 6 weeks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, these pulmonary function parameters, including FVC and diffusing capacity, remained unchanged, with changes like deltaFVC of +4% and deltaDL(CO) of 0%.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients requiring hyperbaric oxygen treatment for conditions like osteoradionecrosis can be reassured that this therapy is unlikely to negatively impact their lung function. This suggests that even those with pre-existing reduced diffusing capacity may safely undergo intermittent hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada or with Canadian participants.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is the small sample size of 18 patients, all with osteoradionecrosis of the mandible.