What Researchers Did
Researchers used a noninvasive method to measure pulmonary arterial pressure in 23 patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) who did not show signs of arterial-venous shunting in their lungs.
What They Found
The study found that pulmonary arterial hypertension was common in HHT patients. After hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, 12 out of 17 HHT patients experienced a significant reduction in the volume and frequency of hemorrhages, which was accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in their pulmonary arterial pressure.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is not a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This study was conducted in 1986 with a small number of patients and did not specify the exact hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocols used.