What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a multicenter study examining the safety and tolerability of HBOT in patients aged 75 and older, analyzing 1,799 sessions across 69 elderly patients.
What They Found
HBOT was well tolerated in the majority of elderly patients, with ear barotrauma being the most common adverse event. Serious complications were rare and no treatment-related deaths occurred.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Older Canadians -- who are more likely to experience radiation complications, diabetic wounds, and other HBOT indications -- can generally access HBOT safely. Age alone should not be a barrier to referral at Canadian centres.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The multicenter retrospective design may obscure differences in protocols and patient selection across sites.