What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed existing literature on the role of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for COVID-19 patients.
What They Found
The review found that few COVID-19 patients globally have been successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. While some less severe patients exposed to HBO reportedly avoided intubation and experienced rapid symptom resolution, the existing case descriptions show large variability in treatment protocols and exposure frequency.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Currently, there is limited and variable evidence regarding the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for COVID-19 patients. Canadian patients should rely on established treatments and consult their healthcare providers for appropriate care, as HBO therapy is not a standard treatment for COVID-19.
Canadian Relevance
This review did not include any specific Canadian studies or data, therefore, direct Canadian relevance is not established.
Study Limitations
A key limitation is the scarcity of robust clinical trials and the significant variability in protocols observed across the few existing case descriptions of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for COVID-19.