What Researchers Did
Researchers reported a single case where a patient developed a severe oxygen embolism after hydrogen peroxide was used to clean a large wound.
What They Found
After 250 ml of hydrogen peroxide was injected into a wound, the patient suddenly experienced a drop in oxygen levels (PETCO2 and SpO2) and heart arrhythmia. Immediate symptomatic treatment restored oxygen and heart rhythm within minutes. The patient then received hyperbaric oxygen therapy and fully recovered without any lasting heart or brain problems.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified, but gas embolism is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, this study's findings cannot be generalized to a larger patient population.