What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a pilot study to see if hyperbaric oxygen therapy could help treat eight newborn babies with brain injury from lack of oxygen (hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy) or severe gut inflammation (necrotizing enterocolitis).
What They Found
All eight ventilator-dependent neonates showed resolution of their conditions after receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 2.0 ATA for 45 minutes. Significant improvements (P < .05) were observed in blood markers like haemoglobin, hematocrit, total proteins, serum sodium, triglycerides, and pH, with no adverse effects reported. The study also noted a marked reduction in illness and death among the treated infants.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This was a small pilot study without a control group, meaning its findings need to be confirmed by larger, more rigorous research.