Hyperbaric Medicine in Pediatrics — reality of a Portuguese reference center / Medicina Hiperbárica em Pediatria — realidade de um centro de referência português

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify and characterize the population of Pediatric patients referred to our hyperbaric oxygen therapy center. Methods: Retrospective and observational study, including pediatric patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, from 2006 to 2021, at the hyperbaric medicine reference center in the north of Portugal. Variables of interest were extracted from electronic medical records. Results: Our study included 134 patients. The most frequent reasons for referral were carbon monoxide poisoning (n=59) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (n=41). In 75 cases (56%), treatment was initiated in an urgent context. Symptom presentation at Emergency Department varied among patients, the most frequent being headache and nausea/vomiting. Concerning carbon monoxide poisoning, the most common sources were water heater, fireplace/brazier, and boiler. Regarding adverse effects, it was identified one case of intoxication by oxygen and four cases of middle ear barotrauma. Conclusions: The most frequent cause for referral was carbon monoxide poisoning. All patients evolved favorably, with few side effects being reported, emphasizing the safety of this therapy. While most pediatricians may not be aware of the potential benefits arising with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is of upmost importance to promote them, so that this technique is increasingly implemented.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar e caracterizar a população de casos pediátricos encaminhados para o nosso centro de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo e observacional, que incluiu doentes pediátricos tratados com oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, de 2006 a 2021, no centro de referência de medicina hiperbárica do norte de Portugal. As variáveis de interesse foram extraídas dos processos clínicos eletrônicos. Resultados: O nosso estudo incluiu 134 casos. Os motivos de encaminhamento mais frequentes foram intoxicação por monóxido de carbono (n=59) e surdez súbita neurossensorial (n=41). Em 75 casos (56%) o tratamento foi iniciado em contexto de urgência. Os sintomas de apresentação à admissão variaram entre os diferentes casos, sendo os mais frequentes cefaleias e náuseas/vômitos. No que diz respeito à intoxicação por monóxido de carbono, as fontes mais comuns foram o aquecedor, lareira/braseiro e caldeira. Com relação aos efeitos adversos, foram identificados um caso de intoxicação por oxigênio e quatro casos de barotrauma do ouvido médio. Conclusões: A causa mais frequente de encaminhamento foi a intoxicação por monóxido de carbono. Todos os pacientes evoluíram favoravelmente e foram registrados poucos efeitos adversos, o que enfatiza a segurança desta terapia. Uma vez que a maioria dos pediatras pode não estar informada sobre os potenciais benefícios da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, é de extrema importância promovê-los para que esta técnica seja cada vez mais implementada.

Effects of gene silencing Cyclooxygenase-2 cooperated with hyperbaric oxygen on neurological repair and apoptosis, autophagy in cerebral hemorrhage rats / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of gene silencing inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on neuronal cell edema, apoptosis, autophagy and neural functional recovery in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage.Methods:SPF-grade adult male SD rats ( n=96) were used to establish a cerebral hemorrhage model through stereotactic injection of thrombin VII into the caudate nucleus. They were randomized (random number) into 4 groups ( n=24/group): control group, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) group, COX-2 RNAi group and combined group (COX-2 RNAi+HBO). The siRNA plasmid targeting silencing COX-2 gene expression was constructed. After group treatment, the four rats were randomly selected from each group for testing in each category. Postoperative day 1, 7, and 14 were assessed using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) for evaluating neurofunctional deficits. On the 7th day, the water content of the brain tissue was measured using the dry/wet weight method. The blood-brain barrier permeability was assessed using the Evans method. Annexin V and TUNEL assays were employed to assess the apoptotic rate of neural cells. The mRNA expression level of COX-2 in brain tissue was determined using the RT-PCR method. The protein expression levels of Beclin-1, COX-2, aquaporin 4 (AQP-4), B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and matrix metalloprotein-2/9 (MMP-2/9) were detected by Western blot (WB). SPSS software was used for data analysis. One-way ANOVA was used for inter group comparisons and LSD- t test was used for further pairwise comparison. Results:The SD rat intracerebral hemorrhage model and plasmid construction were successfully achieved. The mNSS scores were significantly decreased in COX-2 RNAi, HBO and combined groups compared with control group on the 7th day and 14th day (all P<0.01), especially in combined group ( P<0.01). The contents of Evans blue and the water content of brain tissue of all treatment groups were significantly lower than those in control group (all P<0.05), especially in combined group ( P<0.01). The apoptotic rate of neural cells decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control group (all P<0.05), and the combined group decreased the most ( P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of COX-2 were significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control group (all P<0.01), and combined group silenced COX-2 expression most obviously ( P<0.05). The results of WB showed that the protein expression levels of Beclin-1, COX-2, AQP-4, Caspase-3, HIF-1α, MMP-2/9 were significantly lower than control group (all P<0.05), while the expression of Bcl-2 was increased in all treatment groups (all P<0.01). Among them, the combined group exhibited the most pronounced trend ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Gene silencing of COX-2 in combination with hyperbaric oxygen therapy can effectively restore neurological function in rats with cerebral hemorrhage. The mechanism may be associated with reduced blood-brain barrier permeability, alleviated brain edema, and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and autophagy.

Progress in physical therapy for sleep disorders in children and adolescents / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Sleep disorders are common in children and adolescents, especially in those with neurodevelopmental and mental disorders, but treatment strategies remain limited.The main therapeutic methods for sleep disorders in children and adolescents include cognitive behavioral therapy, surgical therapy, drug therapy, and physical therapy.Conventional cognitive behavioral therapy is expensive; plus, the number of qualified sleep physicians and therapists is limited, and patient′s compliance is low.Drug therapy is the most commonly used treatment for insomnia in children and adolescents, but it lacks evidence-based indications and safety and has many adverse reactions, and its long-term efficacy is unknown.Physical therapy that changes the activity of central and peripheral nerves through physical stimulation such as magnetism, electricity, sound and light can provide valuable alternative or complementary treatment for individuals with sleep disorders who can′t get conventional treatment, have poor tolerance or are ineffective.In this paper, 4 common clinical physical therapies (transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy) and their application in treating sleep disorders in children and adolescents are reviewed, providing scientific basis and new ideas for the future clinical treatment of sleep disorders in children and adolescents.

Efficacy of early hyperbaric oxygen combined with median nerve electrical stimulation in the treat-ment of severe traumatic brain injury and its impact on hemodynamics,coma degree and neurologi-cal function / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To explore the efficacy of early hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT)combined with median nerve electrical stimulation(MNES)in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury(sTBI)and its impact on hemodynamics,coma degree,and neurological function of patients.Methods A total of 78 patients with sTBI admitted to the General Hospital of Western Theater Command from March 2020 to October 2021 were selected as the research subjects.The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group,with 39 patients in each group.The patients in both groups underwent basic treatments such as water,electrolyte and acid-base balance,nutritional support,anti-infection,and decompressive craniectomy.On this basis,patients in the control group received early HBOT,while patients in the observation group received both HBOT and MNES.Their clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.Before and after treatment,dual-channel transcranial Doppler ultrasound was performed to detect hemodynamic indicators such as peak systolic blood flow velocity(Vs),mean blood flow velocity(Vm),and pulsatility index(PI)in the middle cerebral artery of patients in the two groups.The Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)score was used to evaluate the degree of coma of patients in the two groups,the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score was used to assess the neurological deficits of patients in the two groups,and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of central nervous system specific protein(S100-β),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),and myelin basic protein(MBP).Complications during treatment of patients in the two groups were recorded,and their incidence was compared.Results The total effective rate of patients in the control and observation groups was 79.49％(31/39)and 92.31％(36/39),respectively.The total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(x2=8.971,P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in Vm,Vs,and PI between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05).After treatment,the Vm and Vs in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment,while the PI was significantly lower than that before treatment(P＜0.05);and the Vm and Vs in the observation group were signifi-cantly higher than that those in the control group,while the PI was significantly lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in GCS and NIHSS scores between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05).After treatment,the GCS score in both groups was significantly higher than that before treatment,while the NIHSS score was significantly lower than that before treatment(P＜0.05);and the GCS score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,while the NIHSS score was significantly lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in S100-β,GFAP,and MBP levels between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05).After treatment,the S100-β,GFAP,and MBP levels in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the S100-β,GFAP,and MBP levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05).During treatment,the incidence of complications in the control and observation groups was 23.08％(9/39)and 20.51％(8/39),respectively,showing no significant difference(x2=2.328,P＞0.05).Conclusion Early HBOT combined with MNES shows good efficacy in treating sTBI,which can effectively improve the patients'hemodynamic level,alleviate the severity of coma,enhance neurological function,and promote early recovery of consciousness,without increased risk of complications.

The effectiveness of salvage treatment with intratympanic dexamethasone or hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to systemic steroids on idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss / 中国药师

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of intratympanic corticosteroids(ITS)and hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT)in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss(ISSNHL)who had failed systemic corticosteroid(SS)treatment.Methods ISSNHL patients admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology,First People's Hospital of Linping District of Hangzhou city from January 2020 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected.According to the treatment plan,patients with ISSNHL were divided into SS group,HBOT group,and ITS group.The changes in hearing level[purity hearing threshold mean(PTA)]and hearing gain of ISSNHL patients before treatment(T0),day 5(T1)and after 3 months of treatment(T2)were observed and compared,and the total effective rate of treatment in different groups was compared.Univariate analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of the efficacy of patients with different treatment modalities of ISSNHL.Results A total of 156 ISSNHL patients were included,including 70 in the SS group,33 in the HBOT group and 53 in the ITS group.At T0,there was no significant difference in PTA among the three groups of patients(P>0.05).At T2,the level of PTA in the three groups of ISSNHL patients was significantly lower than that before treatment(P<0.05).The levels of PTA in the HBOT group and ITS group were significantly lower than those in the SS group(P<0.05).The level of PTA in the HBOT group was significantly lower than that in the ITS group(P<0.05).The hearing gain of the HBOT group and the ITS group was significantly higher than that of the SS group(P<0.05),and the hearing gain of the HBOT group was significantly higher than that of the ITS group(P<0.05).The total effective rate of HBOT group was significantly higher than that of ITS group(P<0.05),and the total effective rate of ITS group was significantly higher than that of SS group(P<0.05).In addition,vertigo was an influencing factor for poor hearing recovery in ISSNHL patients regardless of treatment regimen(P<0.05).Conclusion Both ITS and HBOT can improve the treatment efficiency of ISSNHL patients who have failed SS treatment and promote hearing recovery in ISSNHL.Compared with IST,HBOT has more significant efficacy,and it is recommended that clinical treatment be prioritized.Vertigo is an influencing factor for poor hearing recovery in patients with ISSNHL who have failed SS treatment,and should be focused on in clinical practice.

Research progress in the effectiveness and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for depression / 四川精神卫生

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy characterized by fewer side effects and simple operation has been explored as a potential therapy for depression. This article provides a review of researches relevant to current clinical application and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for depression， aiming to provide valuable references for the formulation of new strategies for the treatment of depression. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been demonstrated to be useful as an adjunctive therapy for depression， which can effectively alleviate depression by regulating the homeostasis of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis， inhibiting inflammation and enhancing synaptic plasticity. And hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant to antidepressants for depression can contribute to increasing the treatment effectiveness to some extent.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Heavy Cigarette Smoking Presenting as Delusion in a Patient with a History of Chronic Schizophrenia (Methamphetamine Induced)

We describe a case of carbon monoxide poisoning in a 54-year-old male from heavy cigarette smoking presenting as delusions. The patient has a history of methamphetamine-induced schizophrenia now in remission for 2 years, and not on any psychotropics and is drug-free.

A neonatal intelligent regulation system based on the combination of mild hypothermia mattress and hyperbaric oxygen chamber: introduction to a patent / 中国当代儿科杂志

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common disease that affects brain function in neonates. At present, mild hypothermia and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are the main methods for the treatment of neonatal HIE; however, they are independent of each other and cannot be combined for synchronous treatment, without monitoring of brain function-related physiological information. In addition, parameter setting of hyperbaric oxygen chamber and mild hypothermia mattress relies on the experience of the medical practitioner, and the parameters remain unchanged throughout the medical process. This article proposes a new device for the treatment of neonatal HIE, which has the modules of hyperbaric oxygen chamber and mild hypothermic mattress, so that neonates can receive the treatment of hyperbaric oxygen chamber and/or mild hypothermic mattress based on their conditions. Meanwhile, it can realize the real-time monitoring of various physiological information, including amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, and near-infrared spectrum, which can monitor brain function, heart rate, rhythm, myocardial blood supply, hemoglobin concentration in brain tissue, and blood oxygen saturation. In combination with an intelligent control algorithm, the device can intelligently regulate parameters according to the physiological information of neonates and give recommendations for subsequent treatment.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on symptoms of dementia in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning(DEACMP)is the most severe complication of carbon monoxide poisoning,which seriously endangers patients'quality of life.This study aims to investigate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen(HBO2)on improving dementia symptoms in patients with DEACMP. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on DEACMP patients,who visited Xiangya Hospital,Central South University from June 2014 to June 2020.Among them,patients who received conventional drug treatment combined with HBO2 treatment were included in an HBO2 group,while those who only received conventional drug treatment were included in a control group.HBO2 was administered once daily.Patients in the HBO2 group received 6 courses of treatment,with each course consisting of 10 sessions.The Hasegawa Dementia Scale(HDS)was used to diagnose dementia,and the Clinical Dementia Rating(CDR)was used to grade the severity of dementia for DEACMP.The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Section(ADAS-Cog),the Functional Activities Questionnaire(FAQ),the Neuropsychiatric Inventory(NPI),and the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change-Plus Caregiver Input(CIBIC-Plus)were performed to assess cognitive function,ability to perform activities of daily living(ADL),behavioral and psychological symptoms,and overall function.The study further analyzed the results of objective examinations related to patients'dementia symptoms,including magnetic resonance imaging detection of white matter lesions and abnormal electroencephalogram(EEG).The changes of the above indicators before and after treatment,as well as the differences between the 2 groups after treatment were compared. Results:There was no significant difference in the HDS score and CDR grading between the 2 groups before treatment(both P＞0.05).After treatment,the score of ADAS-Cog,FAQ,NPI,and CIBIC Plus grading of the 2 groups were significantly improved,and the improvement of the above indicators in the HBO2 group was greater than that in the control group(all P＜0.05).The effective rate of the HBO2 group in treating DEACMP was significantly higher than that of the control group(89.47% vs 65.87%,P＜0.05).The objective examination results(white matter lesions and abnormal EEG)showed that the recovery of patients in the HBO2 group was better than that in the control group. Conclusion:Hyperbaric oxygen can significantly relieve the symptoms of dementia in patients with DEACMP.

Study on the analysis on the clinical effect of hyperbaric oxygen chamber in treating the postoperatively malignant brain edema of craniocerebral trauma / 中国医学装备

Objective:To study the clinical effect of NBYY-BXDR-001 hyperbaric oxygen chamber in treating the postoperatively malignant brain edema of craniocerebral trauma,and the effects of that on the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL),tenascin-C(TNC)and tumor necrosis factor-ɑ(TNF-ɑ).Methods:A total of 84 patients with postoperatively malignant brain edema of craniocerebral trauma who admitted to the hospital were selected,and they were divided into an observation group(45 cases received the interventional treatment of hyperbaric oxygen within postoperative 1-3 days)and a control group(39 cases received interventional treatment of hyperbaric oxygen within postoperative 4-10 days)according to the different therapeutic times of postoperative hyperbaric oxygen.The levels of serum MMP-9,NGAL,TNC and TNF-ɑof the two groups of patients were compared.The Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)scores and the duration of brain edema of patients before and after treatment were recorded,and the mortality rates of the two groups of patients also were recorded.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative mortality rates between the two groups.The overall efficacy of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.203,P<0.05).The GCS scores of the patients of the observation group at the 1st week,2nd week,3rd week and 4th week after surgery were significantly higher than that at the 1st d after surgery,and the differences were statistically significant(t=5.236,t=5.687,t=6.354,t=6.782,P<0.05),respectively.The serum MMP-9,NGAL,TNC and TNF-ɑ levels of the two groups of patients at the 1st week,2nd week,3rd week and 4th week after surgery were significantly lower than those at the 1st day after surgery,and the differences were statistically significant(Fobservation group= 125.127,F=98.224,F=137.791,F=105.226,Fcontrol group=113.370,F=73.363,F=115.520,F=84.069,P<0.05),respectively.At the 2nd,3rd and 4th week after surgery,the GCS scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group,and the serum MMP-9,NGAL,TNC and TNF-ɑ of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(tMMP-9=5.689,t=6.879,t=8.253,tNGAL=8.658,t=9.657,t=8.658,tTNC=6.587,t=6.354,t=6.859,tTNF-ɑ=7.898,t=8.654,t=8.256,P<0.05),respectively.Compared with the control group,the peak time and duration of brain edema of the observation group were significantly shortened,and the differences of them between two groups were statistically significant(t=2.064,t=-2.084,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:Early interventional treatment of hyperbaric oxygen in patients with postoperatively malignant brain edema of craniocerebral trauma can contribute to relieve postoperative brain edema and improve the treatment effect,which is related to the adjustment of hyperbaric oxygen for serum MMP-9,NGAL,TNC and TNF-ɑ levels.

Progress in research on methods for severed limb (digit) preservation / 中华显微外科杂志

Limb (digit) replantation is the primary treatment in salvage of severed traumatic limbs (digits). It is vital to improve the success rate of limb (digit) salvage and the function recovery. Once a human limb (digit) is separated from the body, blood circulation stops and normal physiological metabolism are disrupted, hence result in a series of physiological and pathological changes such as cell degeneration and tissue necrosis, which greatly affect the therapeutic effect of limb (digit) replantation. Therefore, how to scientifically minimise the metabolism of tissues in a severed limb (digit) and mitigate the subsequent ischaemia-reperfusion injury to improve the success rate of limb (digit) replantation is a hot issue in the field of limb (digit) replantation. In this article, a review of current status and progress of existing limb (digit) preservation methods are presented. Through an extensive search and analysis of literatures, the advantages and disadvantages of current limb (digit) preservation methods are summarised in the hope that it will provide a reference for clinical preservation of severed limbs (digit) .

Recent advance in non-drug therapy for paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity after brain injury / 中华神经医学杂志

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is mainly secondary to a variety of acquired brain injuries, with the highest incidence of traumatic brain injury. Multiple symptoms such as paroxysmal tachycardia, shortness of breath, hypertension, hyperthermia and dystonia can occur simultaneously and repeatedly. The pathophysiological mechanism of PSH is complex. At present, drug treatment is mainly used to control symptoms; however, the combined use of multiple drugs will bring different degrees of toxic and side effects to multiple organs such as liver, kidney and lung while inhibiting sympathetic excitement. This paper mainly reviews the recent advance in non-drug treatment of PSH after craniocerebral injury from 4 aspects: nutritional support, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, avoidance of adverse stimulation and family support to standardize the PSH comprehensive management, and reduce episodes in order to improve prognosis and provide reference for clinical treatment.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on human psychomotor performance: A review / 中西医结合学报

Psychomotor performance is the coordination of a sensory or ideational (cognitive) process and a motor activity. All sensorimotor processes involved in planning and execution of voluntary movements need oxygen supply and seem to be significantly disrupted in states of hypoxia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has become a widely used treatment in routine medicine and sport medicine due to its beneficial effects on different aspects of human physiology and performance. This paper presents state-of-the-art data on the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on different aspects of human psychomotor function. The therapy's influence on musculoskeletal properties and motor abilities as well as the effects of hyperbaric oxygenation on cognitive, myocardial and pulmonary functions are presented. In this review the molecular and physiological processes related to human psychomotor performance in response to hyperbaric oxygen are discussed to contribute to this fast-growing field of research in integrative medicine. Please cite this article as: Olex-Zarychta D. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on human psychomotor performance: A review. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(5): 430-440.

Development of tracheotrocar cuff filling device and application effect in hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with tracheotomy cannula / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To design a tracheotomy cannula cuff filling device for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is convenient for clinical operation, improves work efficiency and reduces the incidence of aspiration pneumonia.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial. From July 2020 to June 2022, 90 patients with tracheotomy who were treated with hyperbaric oxygen in the First Hospital of Jiaxing were selected as the research objects. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into the experimental group and the control group, with 45 cases in each group. In the experimental group, the cuff pressure was maintained by the tracheotomy cannula cuff filling device, and in the control group, the traditional water injection method was used to maintain the cuff pressure. The operation time, infection index and incidence of aspiration pneumonia were compared between the two groups.Results:The operation time in the experimental group was (6.33 ± 1.31) s lower than that in the control group (40.96 ± 3.70) s, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-59.11, P<0.05). Body temperature, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin after treatment in the experimental group were (36.91 ± 0.83) ℃, (34.59 ± 16.25) mg/L, (1.57 ± 0.82) μg/L, respectively, lower than those in the control group (37.42 ± 0.72) ℃, (44.18 ± 18.10) mg/L, (2.45 ± 0.92) μg/L, the differences were statistically significant ( t=-3.09, -2.64, -4.73, all P<0.05). The difference of white blood cell count post-treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the experimental group was 11.11%(5/45) lower than 31.11%(14/45) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=5.17, P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of tracheotomy cannula cuff filling device can simplify the operation process, reduce the incidence of infection and aspiration pneumonia, and optimize the clinical work.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen combined with dynamic scalp acupuncture on motor function for stroke patients with hemiplegia / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen combined with dynamic scalp acupuncture on motor function for stroke patients with hemiplegia, and compare the effect of dynamic scalp acupuncture inside or outside hyperbaric oxygen chamber. MethodsFrom January, 2021 to June, 2022, 72 stroke inpatients with hemiplegia in Fuyang People's Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 24), combination group 1 (n = 24) and combination group 2 (n = 24). All the patients received routine treatment, while the control group received dynamic scalp acupuncture, the combination group 1 received hyperbaric oxygen and dynamic scalp acupuncture outside the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and the combination group 2 received hyperbaric oxygen and dynamic scalp acupuncture inside the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, for four weeks. They were assessed with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Barthel Index (MBI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) before and after treatment. The rest pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2)，the lowest SpO2 (SpO2L) and the variation of SpO2 (ΔSpO2) were measured in the first and last treatment. ResultsThe scores of NHISS, MBI, BBS and FMA increased in all the groups after treatment (|t| > 7.681, P < 0.001), and they were more in both the combination group 1 and the combination group 2 than in the control group (P < 0.05). During the first and last treatment, the rest SpO2 and SpO2L increased in the combination group 2 compared with the control group and the combination group 1 (P < 0.05), while ΔSpO2 decreased (P < 0.05); and SpO2L increased in the combination group 1 compared with the control group during the last treatment. ConclusionThe combination of hyperbaric oxygen and dynamic scalp acupuncture can significantly improve motor function and oxygen-carrying capacity in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on ankle motor function and balance of stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) combined with repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on ankle motor function and balance of stroke patients. MethodsFrom April, 2022 to March, 2023, 96 patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College were randomly divided into control group (n = 32), rPMS group (n = 32) and combined group (n = 32). The control group received conventional rehabilitation; rPMS group received rPMS on the basis of the control group; and the combined group received HBOT on the basis of rPMS group, for two weeks. Before and after treatment, the plantar weight-bearing ratio of the affected side, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), active range of motion (AROM) of ankle dorsiflexion of the affected side, and integrated electromyographic (iEMG) values during maximum isometric contraction of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles were measured. ResultsTwo cases dropped out in each group, and 90 cases were finally included, and no adverse events occurred during treatment. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in plantar weight-bearing ratio of the affected side, BBS score, AROM of ankle dorsiflexion of the affected side, and iEMG of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius among three groups (F < 2.070, P > 0.05). After treatment, all the indicators significantly improved in all the groups (|t| > 27.004, P < 0.001), and they were better in the combined group than in rPMS group and the control group (P < 0.001); except the proportion of plantar weight-bearing on the affected side, the other indicators were better in rPMS group than in the control group (P < 0.001). ConclusionrPMS can promote the recovery of ankle motor function and balance of stroke patients, and the effect combining with HBOT is better.

Evaluation of oxidative stress in an experimental model of Crohn's disease treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Abstract Introduction: Treatments of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are able to control symptoms in most cases, however, a fraction of patients do not improve or have a loss of response to treatments, making it important to explore new therapeutic strategies. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) may represent one of them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HBO therapy in an experimental model of IBD. Methods: Sixty male BALBc mice were divided into six groups. Group 1 was colitis-induced with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) + ethanol, group 2 received TNBS + ethanol plus HBO, group 3 received only ethanol, group 4 received ethanol plus HBO, group 5 received saline solution, and group 6 received saline solution plus HBO. HBO was performed for four days, subsequently, the mice were evaluated daily. At the end of the study, samples from the intestine were collected for histological analysis as well as for measurement of antioxidant enzymes and cytokine levels. Results: HBO significantly improved the clinical and histological status of the animals. Treatment with HBO increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in all of the groups; moreover, the difference was only significant between the TNBS and TNBS + HBO groups and treatments promoted a reduction in the proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17 and TNF-α and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10, with no changes in IL-13. Conclusion: HBO effectively treats TNBS-induced colitis by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and modulating cytokine profiles.

Usos de cámara hiperbárica en otorrinolaringología / Uses for hyperbaric chambers in otolaryngology

Resumen En la terapia con oxígeno hiperbárico (HBO) se utiliza oxígeno al 100% de concentración en una cámara presurizada con presiones supraatmosféricas, que corresponden de 2 a 3 atmósferas. Los mecanismos por los cuales funciona esta terapia se relacionan con propiedades físicas de los gases y su comportamiento fisiológico en el organismo, lo que lleva finalmente a la hiperoxia, evento fisiológico que permite la obtención de diversos efectos beneficiosos. La evidencia en medicina ha demostrado su utilidad mayormente en la enfermedad por descompresión, infecciones cutáneas graves e intoxicación por monóxido de carbono. En el ámbito de la otorrinolaringología ha probado ser útil en algunas enfermedades como la hipoacusia súbita idiopática, tanto como terapia única como asociada al uso de corticosteroides, como en la osteomielitis refractaria del oído externo, la que en conjunto con antibioticoterapia y manejo quirúrgico presenta un evidente aumento en la tasa de mejoría. Cabe mencionar que la terapia con HBO ha demostrado también beneficios en los tratamientos y complicaciones posteriores a la radiación en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Es importante mencionar que la terapia con HBO no está exenta de riesgos y requiere que los pacientes cumplan con características específicas para su utilización, por lo que su indicación debe ser juiciosa y en casos seleccionados.

Abstract In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, 100% pure oxygen is used in a pressurized chamber with super atmospheric pressures which correspond to 2-3 atmospheres. The mechanism by which this treatment works is related to the physical properties of gases and their physiological behavior in the body, which leads to hyperoxia, the physiological event which allows for diverse beneficial health effects. The evidence in medicine has proven its utility mainly in decompression sickness, severe skin infections and carbon monoxide poisoning. In the otolaryngology field it has been proven useful in diseases like idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, both as the only treatment and as a concurrent treatment along with corticosteroids, in malignant otitis externa which in conjunction with antibiotic treatment and a surgical approach presents a clear increase in improvement rates. It must be mentioned that hyperbaric chamber treatment has also shown benefits in radiation treatment and post radiation complications in head and neck cancer patients. It is important to note that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not without risks and patients must meet specific criteria for it to be applied, therefore it must be indicated using careful judgement and only in necessary cases.

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.

EFFECTS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY IN PATIENT WITH ACUTE UPPER LIMB FINGER GANGRENE WITH COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic (Corona Virus Diseas) was caused by a new beta coronavirus in early 2020, also called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Predilection sites of virus entry are the lungs, intestines, blood vessels, kidney, and adipose tissue cells are the virus reservoir. The virus causes a violent reaction of in?ammatory cytokines - cytokine storm, activation of coagulation and formation of thrombin. The initial coagulopathy of COVID-19 is manifested by a pronounced disorder of D-dimer and ?brin/?brinogen degradation products, while abnormalities in prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and platelet count are relatively rare at the onset of the disease. Later, the phenomenon of thrombotic microangiopathy occurs, which is a consequence of in?ammation of the blood vessels endothelium. In severe cases of infection, thromboembolism or acute thrombosis of peripheral blood vessels may occur. The paper presents a case of a patient with COVID-19 infection in whom, in addition to the usual clinical picture of the disease with changes in lung parenchyma (bilateral pneumonia), thrombosis of the a. radialis and a. ulnaris of the left hand developed, and ?fteen days after the infection development, the development of gangrene of the distal articles II, III and IV of the ?nger occurs. In addition to therapy used according to the national guide to COVID-19, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was used. The effect of this therapy was used to increase vascular permeability and create factors that affect angiogenesis and improve blood ?ow in the ischemic region. HBOT also affected the demarcation of necrotic from healthy tissue, and stimulated wound healing. After two sessions of HBOT treatment, there was a complete restitution of blood ?ow with full function of the left hand and all its ?ngers.