Oxigenoterapia hiperbárica como tratamiento complementario en mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19: a propósito de dos casos / Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment for COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: a report of two cases

Reportamos los dos primeros casos, en Perú, sobre el uso del tratamiento con oxigeno hiperbárico coadyuvante (TOHC) en pacientes con mucormicosis asociado a COVID-19 (MAC). El primer caso es una mujer de 41 años, con dolor en hemicara y región palatina izquierdas con rinorrea purulenta de un mes de evolución. Al examen físico, solo evidencia fístula oroantral. El segundo caso se trata de un varón de 35 años, con disminución de agudeza visual izquierda y dolor palatino con fístula que drena secreción purulenta de cuatro meses de evolución. Ambos pacientes tienen el antecedente de diabetes, tuvieron COVID-19 moderado cuatro meses antes del ingreso, y recibieron corticoterapia por este diagnóstico. Ambos pacientes tuvieron una evaluación tomográfica que mostró compromiso del seno maxilar y tejido óseo circundante, con endoscopia nasal diagnóstica y terapéutica para desbridamiento. Se obtuvieron muestras compatibles con mucormicosis en estudio histológico. Los pacientes fueron tratados con limpieza quirúrgica y anfotericina B desoxicolato, sin embargo, presentaron evoluciones tórpidas. Por lo tanto, se adicionó la TOHC y mostraron una mejoría evidente tras cuatro semanas de tratamiento con controles subsiguientes sin presencia de mucormicosis. Resaltamos la evolución de estos pacientes con TOHC, en una enfermedad con importante morbimortalidad, que ha sido emergente durante la pandemia.

We present the first two cases reported in Peru of the use of adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). The first case is a 41-year-old woman, with pain in the left side of the face and palatine region with purulent rhinorrhea for a month. Only an oroantral fistula was found during physical examination. The second case is a 35-year-old male, with decreased left visual acuity and palatal pain with a fistula, draining purulent secretion for four months. Both patients have history of diabetes, had moderate COVID-19 four months prior to admission, and received corticosteroid therapy for this diagnosis. Tomographic evaluation of both patients showed involvement of the maxillary sinus and surrounding bone tissue; both received diagnostic and therapeutic nasal endoscopy for debridement. Histological analysis showed that the samples were compatible with mucormycosis. The patients underwent debridement and were treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate; however, they presented torpid evolution. Then, HBOT was added and the patients showed an evident improvement after four weeks of treatment with subsequent controls without the presence of mucormycosis. We highlight the favorable evolution of these patients while receiving HBOT as treatment for a disease with high morbimortality, which emerged during the pandemic.

Effects of butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on post-stroke cognitive impairment / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on post-stroke cognitive impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:A total of 90 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment who were hospitalized within 72 hours of onset in Suining County People's Hospital from December 2019 to November 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 45/group). The control group was given conventional treatment and the observation group was given butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to conventional treatment. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, and Activities of Daily Living score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results:Before treatment, there were no significant differences in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, and Activities of Daily Living score between the two groups (all P > 0.05). At 14 days and 1 month after surgery, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores in the observation group were (4.02 ± 2.18) points and (3.21 ± 2.03) points, which were significantly lower than (5.21 ± 2.24) points and (4.62 ± 2.68) points in the control group ( t =2.55, 2.81, both P < 0.05). At 1 and 3 months after treatment, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score in the observation group were (19.79 ± 5.67) points and (23.69 ± 2.67) points, which were significantly higher than (16.88 ± 5.12) points and (19.74 ± 2.29) points in the control group ( t = 2.56, 7.53, both P < 0.05). At 1 and 3 months after treatment, Activities of Daily Living scores in the observation group were (54.85 ± 5.69) points and (74.38 ± 4.98) points, which were significantly higher than (46.78 ± 6.24) points and (63.21 ± 5.24) points in the control group ( t = 6.41, 9.76, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke can alleviate neurologic deficits, and improve cognitive function and the ability of daily life.

Protective effect and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen on delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning via the mitochondrial pathway in mice / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) in mice.Methods:Totally 225 adult male Kunming mice were selected to establish CO poisoning model via intraperitoneal injection carbon monoxide (CO), and were randomly divided into the air control group, CO poisoning group, and HBO group. Each group was further divided into five time points group, that was 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 d. The mice in the air control group were injected intraperitoneally with the same amount of air, and the HBO group received HBO treatment at the same time every day. DEACMP mice model was screened by behaviors using the open field test, new object recognition test and nesting test, and the content of myelin basic protein (MBP) were assayed. The mouse brain tissue and mitochondrial were prepared and malonialdehyde (MDA) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content were measured with ultraviolet spectrophotometer. MBP content in brain tissue and cytochrome C (CytC) content in the mitochondrial were measured by ELISA. The mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) was measured by flow cytometry.Results:Compared with the air control group, the content of carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) in blood increased significantly and the content of MBP in brain tissue decreased significantly in CO poisoning mice. CO poisoning mice showed motor ability and cognitive dysfunction. Compared with the air control group, the contents of MMP, CytC and ATP were significantly decreased ( P<0.01) in the CO poisoning group; while the MDA content was significantly increased ( P<0.01). Compared with the CO poisoning group, mice behaviors were improved significantly ( P<0.05), the content of MBP, MMP, CytC and ATP were increased ( P<0.05), while the MDA content decreased significantly ( P<0.01) in the HBO group. Conclusions:The abnormal mitochondrial function might be closely related to the occurrence and development of DEACMP, and HBO therapy plays an effective role in preventing and treating the DEACMP mice model via the mitochondrial pathway.

Effects of a 4-week micro-hyperbaric oxygen intervention on oxidation-antioxidation system function / Efectos de la intervención con oxígeno micro-hiperbárico durante 4 semanas en la función del sistema oxidación-antioxidación / Efeitos da intervenção de oxigênio micro-hiperbárico de 4 semanas na função do sistema oxidante-antioxidante

ABSTRACT Introduction Hyperbaric oxygen intervention has an important effect on the function of the body's oxidation-antioxidant system. Objective To verify the effects of a 4-week micro-hyperbaric oxygen intervention on oxidation-antioxidation system function in skeleton athletes. Methods The experimental group underwent a 1.3 ATA HBO intervention for 4 weeks and the control group underwent natural recovery. The levels of MDA, PC, SOD, CAT, GSH-PX, T-AOC, BU, CK, T, and C of the two groups were measured at Week 0, Week 2, and Week 4. Results The MDA, PC, and CK of the Exp group were significantly lower than Con group (P < 0.05) in Week 4. The SOD, CAT, and T-AOC of the Exp group were significantly higher in Week 4 than in Week 0 (P < 0.05) and significantly higher than the Con group values (P < 0.05). Conclusions A four-week 1.3 ATA HBO intervention decreased the level of oxidative stress, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the degree of exercise fatigue in skeleton athletes. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción La intervención con oxígeno hiperbárico tiene un efecto importante en la función del sistema oxidación-antioxidación del organismo. Objetivo Verificar los efectos de una intervención con oxígeno micro-hiperbárico durante 4 semanas en la función del sistema oxidación-antioxidación en atletas de skeleton. Métodos El grupo de prueba se sometió a una intervención con oxígeno micro-hiperbárico a 1,3 ATA durante 4 semanas, 4 veces a la semana, y el grupo de control se sometió a una recuperación natural. Se midieron los niveles de malondialdehído (MDA), carbonilo proteico (PC), superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT), glutatión peroxidasa (GSH-PX), capacidad antioxidante total (T-AOC), urea en sangre (BU), creatina quinasa (CK), testosterona (T), y cortisol (C) en la semana 0, en la semana 2 y en la semana 4 para ambos grupos de atletas. Resultados Los valores de MDA, CP y CK del grupo de prueba fueron significativamente inferiores a los del grupo de control (p <0,05) en la semana 4. Los valores de SOD, CAT y T-AOC fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo de prueba en la semana 4 que en la semana 0 (p < 0,05) y significativamente mayores que los valores del grupo de control (p < 0,05) Conclusión: La intervención con oxígeno hiperbárico a 1,3 ATA durante 4 semanas redujo significativamente los niveles de estrés oxidativo, aumentó la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes y redujo los niveles de fatiga relacionada con el ejercicio en los atletas de skeleton. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapêuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução A intervenção de oxigênio hiperbárico tem um efeito importante na função do sistema oxidativo-antioxidante do corpo. Objetivo Verificar os efeitos de uma intervenção de oxigênio micro-hiperbárico de 4 semanas na função do sistema oxidante-antioxidante em atletas de skeleton. Métodos O grupo de teste foi submetido a uma intervenção de oxigênio micro-hiperbárico a 1,3 ATA de 4 semanas, 4 vezes por semana e o grupo controle passou por recuperação natural. Os níveis de malondialdeído (MDA), proteína carbonila (PC), superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa peroxidase (GSH-PX), capacidade antioxidante total (T-AOC), uréia sanguínea (BU), creatina quinase (CK), testosterona (T) e cortisol (C) foram medidos na semana 0, semana 2 e semana 4 para ambos os grupos de atletas. Resultados MDA, PC e CK do grupo de teste foram significativamente menores do que os valores do grupo controle (p <0,05) na semana 4. SOD, CAT e T-AOC foram significativamente maiores no grupo de teste na semana 4 do que na semana 0 (p < 0,05) e significativamente maiores do que os valores para o grupo controle (p < 0,05). Conclusão A intervenção de oxigênio micro-hiperbárico de 4 semanas a 1,3 ATA reduziu significativamente os níveis de estresse oxidativo, aumentou a atividade enzimática antioxidante e reduziu os níveis de fadiga relacionada ao exercício nos atletas de skeleton. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Efectos biológicos de la exposición a distintas concentraciones de oxígeno: desde la hipoxia hipobárica al oxígeno hiperbárico / Biological effects due to exposure to different concentrations of oxygen from hypo to hyperoxemia

The systemic effects of oxygen deficiency or excess are not thoroughly described. Knowledge is evolving towards the description of beneficial and detrimental effects of both extremes of partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). The cellular and tissue mediators derived from the modulation of the oxidative tone and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are widely characterized biochemically, but the pathophysiological characterization is lacking. Preclinical models support the use of hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning, based on its beneficial effects on ventricular function or its reduction in infarct size. A very important use of oxygen today is in commercial diving. However, novel clinical indications for oxygen such as the healing of diabetic foot ulcers and bone injury caused by radiotherapy are increasingly used. On the other hand, the modulation of the hypoxic response associated with exposure to high altitude environments (hypobaric), favors Chile and its highlands as a natural laboratory to determine certain cardiovascular, cerebral and metabolic responses in the resident population. Also, the consequences of the intermittent exposure to high altitudes in workers also deserves attention. This review discusses the physiopathological response to hypo and hyperoxemia, associated with environments with different oxygen concentrations, and brings back the concept of oxygen as a pharmacological mediator in extreme environments such as high altitudes and hyperbaric medicine in divers, decompression sickness, osteonecrosis associated with radiotherapy and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Fournier's Gangrene: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

ABSTRACT Purpose: Management of Fournier's Gangrene (FG) includes broad-spectrum antibiotics with adequate surgical debridement, which should be performed within the first 24 hours of onset. However, this treatment may cause significant loss of tissue and may delay healing with the presence of ischemia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as adjunctive therapy to assist the healing process. However, its benefit is still debatable. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of HBOT as an adjunct therapy for FG. Materials and Methods: This study complied with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses protocol to obtain studies investigating the effect of HBOT on patients with FG. The search is systematically carried out on different databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus based on population, intervention, control, and outcomes criteria. A total of 10 articles were retrieved for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in mortality as patients with FG who received HBOT had a lower number of deaths compared to patients who received conventional therapy (Odds Ratio 0.29; 95% CI 0.12 - 0.69; p = 0.005). However, the mean length of stay with Mean Difference (MD) of -0.18 (95% CI: -7.68 - 7.33; p=0.96) and the number of debridement procedures (MD 1.33; 95% CI: -0.58 - 3.23; p=0.17) were not significantly different. Conclusion: HBOT can be used as an adjunct therapy to prevent an increased risk of mortality in patients with FG.

An emerging role of platelet-rich plasma and hyperbaric oxygen in the management of inclusion body myositis: a case report

Inclusion body myositis is an uncommon inflammatory myopathy that causes progressive muscle weakness. Patient management includes immunosuppressant therapy and nonpharmacologic therapies, like physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Standard treatment plans focus on the maintenance of muscle strength and function. Many patients do not respond to pharmacologic therapies and due to the progressive nature of this myopathy,patients eventually become debilitated. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections were provided as adjunctive therapy to a 70-year-old female patient with inclusion body myositis. After treatment, she had improvement in her muscle function and improved ambulation. This case study highlights the impact of adjunctive therapy in a patient with inclusion body myositis.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on nerve regeneration in rats / Efeito da terapia hiperbárica de oxigênio na regeneração nervosa em ratos

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate histological changes in peripheral nerves of rats after sciatic nerve neurorrhaphy, according to the time of exposure to hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment. Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups according to the amount of exposure to hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment. Group 1 was the control and there was no use of hyperbaric oxygen chamber; group 2 received one week of therapy; group 3, two weeks; group 4, three weeks; and group 5, four weeks. After the fourth postoperative week, the animals were submitted to euthanasia and a sciatic nerve sample sent for histological analysis. Axons proximal and distal to the neurorrhaphy were counted with axonal regeneration index measurement. Results: We observed that the number of axons distal to neurorrhaphy increases with the amount of hyperbaric oxygen chamber exposure, the results were more expressive from the third week of treatment. However, the statistical analysis found no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: The descriptive analysis suggests benefit of using hyperbaric oxygen chamber directly proportional to the time of therapy. The study, however, did not present statistically relevant results, probably due to the reduced sample size. Subsequent studies with more significant sampling would be of great value. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações histológicas nos nervos periféricos após neurorrafia do nervo ciático de ratos, de acordo com o tempo de exposição ao tratamento com câmara hiperbárica de oxigênio. Métodos: Vinte e cinco ratos da raça Wistar foram divididos em cinco grupos conforme o tempo de exposição ao tratamento com câmara hiperbárica de oxigênio. O grupo 1 não recebeu o tratamento; o grupo 2 recebeu uma semana de terapia; o grupo 3, duas semanas; o grupo 4, três semanas; e o grupo 5, quatro semanas. Após quatro semanas de pós-operatório, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e uma amostra do nervo ciático foi enviada para análise histológica. Foram feitas contagens do número de axônios proximalmente e distalmente à neurorrafia, com medição do índice de regeneração axonal. Resultados: Observamos que o aumento do número de axônios distais à neurorrafia foi diretamente proporcional ao tempo de exposição à câmara hiperbárica de oxigênio, sendo mais expressivo a partir da terceira semana de tratamento. Entretanto, a análise estatística não encontrou diferença significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão: A análise descritiva sugere benefício do uso da câmara hiperbárica de oxigênio. Porém, devido à amostra reduzida, o estudo não apresentou resultados estatisticamente relevantes, sendo necessária a realização de estudos subsequentes com amostragem mais significativa. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Prospectivo Comparativo.

Applying magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging in hyperbaric oxygen treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury in rats / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore the value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in evaluating the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) in treating spinal cord injury.Methods:The modified Allen′s method was used to induce a traumatic spinal cord injury in 30 rats who were then divided randomly into an injured group and a treatment group, each of 15. The treatment group was given HOT twice a day for 3 days, then once a day for a total of 4 weeks. The injured group did not receive HOT. DTI was performed (along with Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) evaluation) at 0h, 6h, 24h, as well as 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after the operation. Two-factor repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze any differences in the DTI results: the fractional anisotropy, mean apparent diffusivity, radial diffusivity and axial diffusivity, as well as the BBB scores. LSD t-tests were performed to analyze the significance of the differences at different time points.Results:At each time point after 24h the average FA value of the treatment group was significantly higher than the injured group′s average, while its average MD and RD values were significantly lower. Beyond 14 days the average AD value of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the injured group. The treatment group′s average BBB score was also significantly higher at all the time points beyond 3 days.Conclusions:DTI results can evaluate spinal cord function and provide valuable information for the dynamic assessment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy after a traumatic spinal cord injury, and the therapy promotes the recovery of motor function, at least in rats.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on myocardial fibrosis and expression of oxidative stress-related indicators in D-galactose-induced senescent model mice / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT)on myocardial fibrosis and oxidative stress induced by D-galactose(D-gal)in senescent model mice and its possible mechanism.Methods:Three-month-old male Kunming mice(n=27)were randomized into control, D-gal, and D-gal + HBOT groups.The control group received subcutaneous sterilized saline(5 ml · kg -1· d -1)for 8 weeks; the remaining 2 groups received subcutaneous D-gal(200 mg · kg -1· d -1)for 8 weeks. The D-gal + HBOT group underwent HBOT intervention at week 7~8.At the end of the experiment, the histopathological changes were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining, and the fibrosis changes were analyzed by Masson staining and Sirius red staining.Oxidative stress kit was used to detect catalase(CAT), total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD)activity and malon-di-aldehyde(MDA)content in serum of mice.Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of the aging-related proteins p53 and p16 in mouse heart tissue, the heart-function-related proteins atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP)and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP), and the oxidative stress-related protein superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1), superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2)and catalase(CAT). Results:Cardiac morphologic staining indicated that as compared with the control group, mice of D-gal group exhibited features of senescence and the increased fibrosis area, and senescence and fibrosis were obviously improved after HBOT intervention as compared with the D-gal group.The findings of the oxidative stress kit measurement indicated that as compared with the control group, the D-gal group had markedly decreased activities of CAT and T-SOD, significantly increased MDA content in the serum.After HBOT treatment, as compared with d-gal group, serum CAT and T-SOD activities were increased, while MDA content was decreased( F=126.85, 32.89, 157.50, all P<0.05).Furthermore, as compared with the control group, the D-gal group had obviously increased contents of p53, p16, ANP and BNP, while the content of CAT, SOD1 and SOD2 were obviously decreased.After HBOT intervention, as compared with the D-gal group, the contents of p53, p16, ANP、BNP were reduced, while the content of CAT, SOD1 and SOD2 were increased( F=36.37, 14.81, 23.28, 58.41, 12.79, 80.08, 6.63, all P<0.05). Conclusions:HBOT intervention could protects against cardiac injury in aging mice, which may be related to attenuating myocardial fibrosis, inducing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, and reducing oxidative stress.

Aerobic exercise combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post-stroke cognition and reduce oxidative stress / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of combining aerobic exercise with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the cognition and oxidative stress of patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).Methods:Forty-five PSCI patients were divided randomly into a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) group (of 21) and a combination group (of 24). Both groups received HBO therapy, but the combination group also performed 30min of aerobic exercise using a cycle ergometer 5 times a week for 8 weeks. The HBO therapy involved 20min for pressurization, 20min of decompression, 60min of pressurized oxygen inhalation and 10min of air inhalation. The treatment pressure was 0.2MPa (2.0ATA). Before and after the intervention, cognitive functioning was measured using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the Montreal cognitive assement (MoCA). The Barthel index quantified ability in the activities of daily living. Serum glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured spectrophotometrically.Results:The average MMSE scores of both groups had improved significantly after the treatment, with significantly better improvement in the combination group. After the treatment, the average MoCA score of the combination group had improved significantly while that of the HBO group had not. The average Barthel index scores of both groups improved significantly and there was no significant difference between them after the treatment. The average serum GSH increased after the treatment in the combination group, and the increase was weakly positively correlated with the increase in MMSE scores. The average MDA content of the HBO group decreased after the treatment, and the decrease was positively correlated to the increase in the MMSE scores, but again weakly.Conclusions:Aerobic exercise combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy can effectively improve cognition among PSCI patients. Increases in serum GSH and decreases in serum MDA are weakly positively correlated with cognitive functioning.

Ceguera y trastornos neurológicos por monóxido de carbono: tratamiento efectivo con oxígeno hiperbárico en dos pacientes pediátricos / Blindness and neurological sequelae following carbon monoxide poisoning: effective treatment with hyperbaric oxygen

Se presentan dos pacientes que desarrollaron deterioro visual debido a una intoxicación por monóxido de carbono. Ellos fueron tratados con oxígeno hiperbárico y recuperaron no solo su visión, sino que, además, mejoraron su signo-sintomatología neurológica. Se cree que la implementación de oxígeno hiperbárico, incluso en un período tardío, será efectiva para revertir las secuelas neurológicas.

We present two patients who developed visual deterioration due to carbon monoxide poisoning. They were treated with hyperbaric oxygen and recovered not only their vision but also they improved neurological signs and symptoms. We believe that implementation of hyperbaric oxygen, even in a late period of time will be effective in reversing neurological sequela

Perfil dos pacientes com gangrena de Fournier utilizando a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica como tratamento adjuvante / Profile of Fournier gangrene patients using hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjuvant treatment

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados obtidos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (OHB) como tratamento adjuvante na Gangrena de Fournier (GF). Casuística e Método: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo baseado na análise de prontuários físicos de pacientes portadores de GF submetidos a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, através da câmara hiperbárica no período de fevereiro de 2008 a maio de 2018, atendidos em uma clínica de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica na cidade de Bauru, SP. Os dados coletados foram: idade, sexo, etiologia, comorbidades, localização e extensão da lesão, número total de sessão e mortalidade. Resultado: Trinta e oito pacientes foram analisados, sendo 76% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 55,6 anos. Entre os pacientes, 17 (44,7%) obtiveram alta médica, 18 (47,4%) interromperam o tratamento antes do término e ocorreram três (8,21%) óbitos. A principal etiologia foi o abcesso e os principais comorbidades predisponentes foram a diabetes mellitus e a hipertensão arterial. A localização e extensão com áreas mais afetadas foram na região escrotal, seguida pela região perineal. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo demostraram que o efeito da OHB como tratamento adjuvante oferece vantagem no tratamento da GF, resultando em considerável alta médica dos pacientes e baixa mortalidade. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objective: Evaluating the results obtained from hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as an adjuvant treatment in Fournier's Gangrene (GF). Casuistic and Method: Cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive study based on the analysis of physical records of patients with GF submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy through the hyperbaric chamber from February 2008 to May 2018, assisted at the hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic, in Bauru, SP. The data collected were age, gender, etiology, comorbidities, lesion location and extension, total session number, and mortality. Result: It totaled 38 patients, 76% male, with a mean age of 55.6 years. Among the patients, 17 (44.7%) were discharged, 18 (47.4%) discontinued treatment before termination, and three (8.21%) deaths occurred. The main etiology was an abscess and the main predisposing comorbidities were diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The location and extension lesion with the most affected areas were in the scrotal region, followed by the perineal region. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the effect of HBOT as an adjuvant treatment has an advantage in the treatment of GF resulting in considerable patient medical discharge and low mortality. (AU)

Infection control of coronavirus disease 2019 patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy in mobile single air compression chamber / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To study the infection control of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the hyperbaric oxygen therapy, so as to provide references for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in public health events in the future. Methods A hyperbaric oxygen therapy and nursing team in wards and a full-time infection control nurse post were set up, the responsibilities of infection control nurses were defined, nosocomial infection monitoring was carried out, and meticulous management in all aspects of infection control was carried out. The hand hygiene compliance rates (number of hand hygiene execution/total number of hand hygiene indicators 100%) of doctors, nurses and patients were compared before and after supervision by full-time infection control nurses. After the implementation of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber disinfection, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid test was performed on multiple sites inside and outside the hyperbaric oxygen chamber and wards every week. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was given to four COVID-19 patients in mobile single air compression chamber and the therapy effects were observed. Results After supervision by fulltime infection control nurses, the hand hygiene compliance rates of the doctors, nurses and patients were all improved (82.94% [175/211] vs 73.27% [148/202], 94.70% [268/283] vs 89.39% [236/264], and 78.41% [69/88] vs 46.64% [24/55]), and the differences were significant (χ2=5.663 5, 5.308 4, and 17.997 2, all P<0.05). After the implementation of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber disinfection, the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results were negative on the door handle, inside and outside of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, the surface of the transfer bed and the surface of ward supplies during the first and second weeks. The pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the walking distance in six minutes of patients were both increased after hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared with those before hyperbaric oxygen therapy [( 91.62±3.65]% vs[ 85.63±4.52]% and [346.3±43.6] m vs [272.2±61.9] m), and the differences were significant (t=2.062 1 and 1.957 4, P=0.042 and 0.049). The symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath were significantly improved after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Computed tomography reexamination showed that the inflammatory lesions of lungs had subsided to different extents. Conclusion Hyperbaric oxygen nursing team and infection control nurse post can promote and supervise the implementation of the infection control system and infection control measures, ensuring the infection monitoring of COVID-19 patients and the safety of patients and medical staff.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in an elderly critical coronavirus disease 2019 patient with endotracheal intubation: clinical effect analysis / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To sum up our experience of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in an elderly critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient with endotracheal intubation, providing references for the application of HBOT in COVID-19 treatment. Methods and results The patient was 87 years old male and presented coma symptoms on Feb. 3, 2020. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed multiple small flake fuzzy shadows in both lungs. The nucleic acid test of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive on Feb.5 and the diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed. After symptomatic and supportive treatment, the patient's condition became stable gradually, and the tracheal intubation was removed on Feb. 22. However, the patient was intubated again on Feb. 24 because of loss of coughing and sputum expelling abilities, and the patient's condition was judged to be critical. On Feb. 29, the patient received HBOT for the first time, and medical staff entered the hyperbaric oxygen cabin through the special channel. After HBOT for four times, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of the patient tended to be stable, carbon dioxide retention was alleviated, liver and kidney function improved, and coagulation function recovered. On Mar. 6, SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) test showed that SARS-CoV-2 IgM was negative and SARS-CoV-2 IgG was positive. The patient was then transferred to general wards. Conclusion HBOT can alleviate CO2 retention in critical COVID-19 patients, and has a positive effect on reducing hypoxia and protecting important organs. The HBOT infection control procedure is feasible, and the safety of medical staff can be guaranteed by reasonable design.

Efficacy analysis of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 patients / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the potential mechanisms underlying the prominent efficiency of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods Five COVID-19 patients, aged from 24 to 69 years old, received HBOT after routine therapies failed to stop the deterioration and progressive hypoxemia in General Hospital of the Yangtze River Shipping. The procedure of HBOT was as follows: compressed to 2.0 ATA (0.1 MPa gauge pressure, patient 1) or 1.6 ATA (0.06 MPa gauge pressure, patient 2-5) at a constant rate for 15 min, maintained for 90 min (first treatment) or 60 min (subsequent treatment), then decompressed to normal pressure for 20 min, once a day; the patients inhaled oxygen with the mask of Built-in-Breathing System continuously; and HBOT was ended when the daily mean pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) in wards was above 95% for two days. The symptoms, respiratory rate (RR), SpO2, arterial blood gas analysis, blood routine, coagulation function, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and chest computed tomography (CT) were collected. Paired t test was used to compare each index before and after treatment. Results After the first HBOT, the symptoms and signs of the five patients began to improve. Supine breathlessness disappeared after HBOT for four times, and digestive tract symptoms completely disappeared and only mild chest pain and breathlessness at rest and in motion remained after HBOT for five times. After finishing HBOT, the RR of the patients was significanlty lower than that before HBOT ([20.80±2.28] min-1 vs [27.20±5.40] min-1, P0.05). Before HBOT, the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of the patients was (31.48±3.40) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), which was lower than the normal range (35-45 mmHg). After finishing HBOT, arterial partial pressure of oxygen ([130.20±18.58] mmHg), arterial oxygen saturation ([98.40±0.55]%), lymphocyte proportion (0.207 8±0.074 2) and lymphocyte count ([1.09±0.24]×109/L) were significantly higher than those before HBOT ([61.60±15.24] mmHg, [73.20±6.43]%, 0.094 6±0.062 1, and [0.61± 0.35]×109/L), while the levels of fibrinogen ([2.97±0.27] g/L) and hs-CRP ([7.76±6.95] mg/L) were significantly lower than those before HBOT ([4.45±0.94] g/L and [30.36±1.27] mg/L) (all P0.05). All the five patients had typical lung CT imaging changes of severe COVID-19 before HBOT, which were improved after HBOT. Conclusion Systemic hypoxia induced by persistent hypoxemia may be the main reason for the deterioration of severe COVID-19. The respiratory dysfunction of COVID-19 is mainly alveolar gas exchange dysfunction. HBOT may be the best way to correct the progressive hypoxemia which can not be controlled by atmospheric oxygen supply in severe COVID-19 patients. HBOT can provide enough oxygen supply for the continuous hypoxia tissues, and is beneficial to the recovery of immune function, circulatory function and stress level, so as to improve the condition of patients.

Effect of preconditioning and postoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy on colonic anastomosis healing with and without ischemia in rats

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on colonic anastomosis healing with and without ischemia in rats. Methods Forty female rats underwent segmental resection of 1 cm of the left colon followed by end-to-end anastomosis. They were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 each), a sham group; two groups were submitted to Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) with and without induced ischemia and the induced ischemia group without HBOT. The HBOT protocol evaluated was 100% O2 at 2.4 Atmosphere absolute pressure (ATA) for 60 minutes, two sessions before as a preconditioning protocol and three sessions after the operation. Clinical course and mortality were monitored during all experiment and on the day of euthanasia on the fourth day after laparotomy. Macroscopic appearance of the abdominal cavity were assessed and samples for breaking strength of the anastomosis and histopathological parameters were collected. Results There was no statistically significant difference in mortality or anastomosis leak between the four experimental groups. Anastomosis breaking strength was similar across groups. Conclusion The HBOT protocol tested herein at 2.4 ATA did not affect histopathological and biomechanical parameters of colonic anastomotic healing, neither the clinical outcomes death and anastomosis leak on the fourth day after laparotomy.

Alterações cardiorrespiratórias de pacientes submetidos à oxigenoterapia hiperbárica / Alteraciones cardiorrespiratorias de pacientes sometidos a la oxigenoterapia hiperbárica / Cardiorespiratory alterations in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar modificações cardiorrespiratórias em decorrência de sessão única de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Método Estudo aleatorizado com pacientes: grupos-controle e oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. As avaliações ocorreram no início, durante e após a exposição ao oxigênio puro acima de uma atmosfera, durante 2 horas. A pressão arterial sistêmica, saturação periférica de oxigênio, frequência de pulso, volume e capacidade pulmonar, pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas foram avaliadas. A saturação periférica de oxigênio, frequência de pulso e pressão arterial sistêmica foram avaliadas durante a pressurização na primeira hora. Os dados foram avaliados pelo teste de ANOVA, Mann-Whitney e teste t independente (p<0,05). Resultados Foram avaliados 14 pacientes adultos. No grupo sob terapia (sete sujeitos), idade: 49,57±14,59 anos houve redução da frequência de pulso de 16 batimentos por minuto após 35 minutos de terapia (análise intragrupo), e a saturação periférica de oxigênio foi maior neste mesmo período se comparado ao grupo-controle. Conclusão A oxigenoterapia hiperbárica promove alterações cardiorrespiratórias com o aumento da saturação periférica de oxigênio e redução da frequência de pulso, sem alterar os níveis pressóricos arteriais e a força, volumes e capacidades respiratórios.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar modificaciones cardiorrespiratorias consecuentes de sesión única de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Método Estudio aleatorizado con pacientes: grupos de control y oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Las evaluaciones ocurrieron en el inicio, durante y después de la exposición al oxígeno puro por encima de una atmósfera, durante dos horas. La presión arterial sistémica, saturación periférica de oxígeno, frecuencia de pulso, volumen y capacidad pulmonar, presiones inspiratoria y espiratoria máximas fueron evaluadas. La saturación periférica de oxígeno, frecuencia de pulso y presión arterial sistémica fueron evaluadas durante la presurización en la primera hora. Los datos fueron evaluados por el test de ANOVA, Mann Whitney y prueba t independiente (p<0,05). Resultados Fueron evaluados 14 pacientes adultos. En el grupo bajo terapia (siete sujetos), edad: 49,57±14,59 años, hubo reducción de la frecuencia de pulso de 16 latidos por minuto tras 35 minutos de terapia (análisis intragrupo), y la saturación periférica de oxígeno fue mayor en ese mismo período si comparado con el grupo de control. Conclusión La oxigenoterapia hiperbárica proporciona alteraciones cardiorrespiratorias con el aumento de la saturación periférica de oxígeno y la reducción de la frecuencia de pulso, sin alterar los niveles de presión arteriales y la fuerza, volúmenes y capacidades respiratorios.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate cardiorespiratory alterations due to a single session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Method Randomized study with patients: a control group and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Evaluations occurred in the beginning, during, and after exposure to pure oxygen above atmosphere for 2 hours. Systemic blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, lung volume and lung capacity, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were evaluated. Peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and systemic blood pressure were evaluated during the pressurizing in the first hour. Data were evaluated by means of ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and independent t-test (p<0.05). Results A total of 14 adult patients were evaluated. In the group under therapy (seven subjects), aged: 49.57±14.59 years, there was a decrease in the pulse rate of 16 beats per minute after 35 minutes of therapy (intragroup analysis), and the peripheral oxygen saturation was higher within the same period compared to the control group. Conclusion The hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes cardiorespiratory alterations with the increase of the peripheral oxygen saturation and decrease of the pulse rate, without altering blood pressure levels and the strength, volumes, and respiratory capacities.

Impacto social del Servicio de Oxigenación Hiperbárica en Barinas / Social impact of the service of hyperbaric oxygenation of the State Barinas

RESUMEN El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de analizar las condicionantes sociales y el impacto social del servicio de oxigenación hiperbárica del Estado Barinas, en Venezuela. Para ello se analizaron dos dimensiones: la utilidad potencial del servicio y el análisis de los efectos en la población. El impacto social que ha tenido en el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de los pacientes atendidos, la calidad del servicio permite orientar estrategias dirigidas al mantenimiento de esta modalidad de la atención de la salud.

ABSTRACT The present work takes as an objective to analyze the social determinants and the social impact of the service of hyperbaric oxygenation of the State Barinas, in Venezuela. For it, two dimensions were analyzed: the potential utility of the service and the analysis of the effects in the population. The social impact that it has had in the improvement of the quality of life of the attended patients, the quality of the service that is offered allows to face strategies directed to the maintenance of this form of the attention of the health.

Terapia de oxigenación hiperbárica en individuos sanos: Efecto en algunos parámetros bioquímicos / Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in healthy individuals. Effect on some biochemical parameters

La terapia de oxigenación hiperbárica (TOHB) es usada en el tratamiento de diferentes patologías y es prioritario conocer su injerencia en la bioquímica del paciente y establecer el perfil de seguridad. Con el objetivo de establecer la seguridad y conocer la bioquímica de seguimiento de pacientes que realizan el tratamiento, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de individuos sanos evaluando el efecto de la TOHB (100% O2 a 1,4 atm) sobre algunos parámetros bioquímicos. Se estudió el estado basal, y a las 10 y 20 sesiones, de los valores de los indicadores de coagulación, hematológicos, función hepática y reactantes de fase aguda. En los 20 individuos sanos no hubo alteraciones en el examen clínico general debido a la exposición a la TOHB. La media (con DE) de los valores bioquímicos a las sesiones 0, 10 y 20 estuvieron siempre dentro del rango de valores de referencia. Estos resultados sugieren que el tratamiento en estas condiciones no produce cambios estadísticamente significativos en los parámetros estudiados.

Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HBOT) is used in the treatment of different pathologies and it is a priority to establish its safety profile. A retrospective study in healthy individuals was performed, evaluating the effect of HBOT at 1.4 ATA on biochemical indicators. The general and basal status and after 10 and 20 sessions of biochemical parameters in blood sample, on the biochemical markers of coagulation, hematologic values, hepatic function status, and acute reaction were analysed as well. For the 20 healthy subjects, there were no alterations in the general clinical examination due to exposure to HBOT. The mean values (with SD) of the biochemical parameters at 0, 10 and 20 sessions were mostly within reference values range. The results suggest that the treatment does not produce statistically significant changes in the biochemical parameters studied in these conditions.

A terapia de oxigenação hiperbárica (TOHB) é utilizada no tratamento de diferentes patologias e é prioritário conhecer sua ingerência na bioquímica do paciente e estabelecer o perfil de segurança. A fim de estabelecer segurança e conhecer a bioquímica de monitoramento de pacientes que realizam o tratamento, foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de indivíduos saudáveis avaliando o efeito da OHB (100% O2 a 1,4 atm) em alguns parâmetros bioquímicos. O estado basal foi estudado e em 10 e 20 sessões os valores de coagulação, hematológicos, função hepática e reagentes de fase aguda foram estudados. Nos 20 indivíduos saudáveis, não houve alterações no exame clínico geral devido à exposição à TOHB. A média (com o DS) dos valores bioquímicos nas sessões 0, 10 e 20 estavam sempre dentro da faixa de valores de referência. Estes resultados sugerem que o tratamento sob estas condições não produz mudanças estatisticamente significativas ao nível dos parâmetros estudados.