What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed the evidence for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating necrotizing soft tissue infections, compromised grafts and flaps, hidradenitis suppurativa, and pyoderma gangrenosum.
What They Found
The review found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is approved for only 14 conditions by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, yet it is frequently used off-label for various dermatological diseases. The authors appraised the evidence for its use in specific dermatological conditions like necrotizing soft tissue infections and hidradenitis suppurativa.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections, compromised grafts and flaps, hidradenitis suppurativa, or pyoderma gangrenosum may be offered hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). They should discuss with their healthcare providers whether HBOT is an approved or off-label treatment for their specific condition and the available evidence.
Canadian Relevance
This review article has no specific Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a review, this study synthesizes existing literature and does not present new primary research data or clinical trial results.