What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 81 patients to identify risk factors, symptoms, and clinical findings associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) intolerance.
What They Found
Out of 81 patient charts reviewed, mean risk factor, clinical, and HBOT complication-susceptibility scores were significantly higher in patients who did not tolerate HBOT. Patients with a history of otitis media, tinnitus, or prior ear surgery were at higher risk for HBOT intolerance, while those with pressure intolerance or prior ear surgery were more likely to require tympanotomy tube placement.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could benefit from a thorough otolaryngological evaluation to identify pre-existing risk factors. This proactive screening may help predict and potentially prevent HBOT intolerance or the need for tympanotomy tube placement.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital in an urban city in the United States.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective case series from a single institution, the findings may not be generalizable to all patient populations.