What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated oxidative metabolism in platelets, platelet aggregation, and hematology in 31 patients undergoing multiple hyperbaric oxygen treatments for chronic wounds.
What They Found
The study found no adverse effects of hyperbaric oxygen on red cell counts, platelet counts, or basal platelet lactate production. However, after 20 treatments, mean lymphocyte count increased by 38%, platelet protein content by 23%, and arachidonic acid-dependent platelet activation by 24%, while plasma lactate levels decreased from 3.2 to 2.5 mmol/l.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing multiple hyperbaric oxygen treatments for chronic wounds may be reassured that these treatments do not appear to cause significant adverse effects on blood cell counts or platelet aggregation. This suggests that prolonged hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally safe regarding these hematological parameters.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada or with Canadian participants.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are specific to chronically ill patients undergoing a particular hyperbaric oxygen protocol and may not generalize to all patient populations or different treatment regimens.