ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the efficacy, benefits and shortcomings of pressurized air therapy for neo- natal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods One hundred and nine neonates with HIE were treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) with a continuing oxygen supplement from an improved oxygen mask plus a 2.5-1itre breathing sacculus proprius in a large air-pressurized oxygen chamber. Among them there were 70 cases treated with 3-6 courses of HBO + drug therapy, 39 cases treated with a single session of HBO + drug therapy, and 32 treated with drug therapy alone. Motor development was assessed using the Chinese infantile intelligence development test scale at the ages of 3, 6 and 12 months. Results The sequential HBO + drug group achieved significantly better average motor development than the single session group or the drug only group. There was mo significant difference between the single treatment group and the drug only group. The proportion of abnormal CT results 12 months after treatment was significantly higher in the drug only group than in the sequential HBO + drug group. Conclusion Sequential HBO + drugs therapy with the improved oxygen mask is preferable to a single session of HBO + drug treatment or drug therapy alone.