What Researchers Did
Researchers analyzed changes in thrombus formation before and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy in six patients with skin and soft tissue ulcers or necrotic fasciitis.
What They Found
In six patients, the duration to pressure increase in blood samples after hyperbaric oxygen therapy was longer than before treatment (p<0.05). This indicated decreased clot adhesiveness and reduced clot formation ability, with T10 and T80 results further suggesting that HBO2 therapy reduced thrombus formation.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy, these findings suggest a potential reduction in their ability to form blood clots. This could be a beneficial side effect, especially for those at risk of thrombotic events, though further research is needed to confirm clinical significance.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation of this study is its very small sample size of only six patients.