What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted an internet-based questionnaire survey among hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) centers across Europe to understand their practices and experiences treating children with HBOT.
What They Found
The survey revealed that 90% of participating European HBO centers treat children using protocols analogous to adults for indications and HBOT. Reported side effects included 6.8% anxiety, 2.4% barotrauma, and 0.9% seizure, with no cases of pulmonary barotrauma or oxygen toxicity. While severe side effects were low, anxiety and oxygen-related seizures were more frequent in children compared to adults.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
While this study was conducted in Europe, its findings suggest that hyperbaric oxygenation therapy for children, when medically indicated, generally has a low rate of severe side effects. Canadian patients undergoing HBOT, especially younger children, may benefit from psychological support to manage anxiety, which was a common reported side effect.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was a Europe-wide survey of hyperbaric oxygenation centers.
Study Limitations
The study's main limitation is its reliance on a survey of existing practices rather than prospective observational or controlled studies, limiting the direct clinical evidence on HBOT efficacy and side effects in children.