What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 325 patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy between January 2000 and December 2004 to identify if specific disease processes predicted the need for tympanostomy tubes.
What They Found
Overall, 15% (95% CI= 11-19%) of the 325 patients required tympanostomy tubes during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A significantly higher proportion of patients with nasopharyngeal radiation injury (29%, p=0.001) and soft tissue radionecrosis/osteoradionecrosis (22%, p=0.02) needed tubes compared to other indications.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, particularly those with a history of nasopharyngeal radiation injury or radionecrosis, should be aware of an increased risk for ear complications. Proactive monitoring and discussion with their healthcare providers about potential tympanostomy tube placement may be beneficial to manage this risk.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective study, it is limited by its reliance on existing data and potential for confounding factors not captured.