The influence of hyperbaric oxygenation on the elastic properties of platelet membrane during spontaneous platelet aggregation in the patients presenting with cardiac co-morbidity

What Researchers Did

Researchers evaluated the effect of HBOT (five sessions at 1.2 ATA for 30 minutes each) on platelet aggregation and membrane stiffness in 24 patients with coronary artery disease and hypertension, using laser analysis and atomic force microscopy.

What They Found

HBOT sessions reduced spontaneous platelet aggregation in male patients (from 1.46 to 0.84, p < 0.05). In patients with platelet hyperaggregation, the platelet membrane became twice as elastic after HBOT, potentially reducing clot formation risk. Effects were not significant in female patients.

Canadian Relevance

No direct Canadian connection identified.

Study Limitations

The study was small (24 patients) and used a non-standard HBOT protocol at 1.2 ATA -- much lower than clinical therapeutic pressures; results may not apply to standard HBOT sessions.