Preliminary Research on the Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

Negative consequences and medical complications of COVID-19 can persist for up to several months after initial recovery. These consequences can include stroke, diabetes, decreased lung diffusing capacity, sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, arrhythmia, myocarditis, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, heart rate fluctuations, sleep problems, memory problems, nervousness, anxiety, and other neurological disorders. Thirty-one patients who reported symptoms related to previous COVID-19 disease of both sexes were enrolled in the initial program. The patients underwent compression sessions in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. Each patient underwent a cycle of 15 compressions. Before the first session, each participant completed a venous blood gas test, a Fullerton test, and two spirometry tests (one before the Fullerton test and one after the test). Patients completed psychotechnical tests, a questionnaire on quality of life (Polish version of EQ-5D-5L), and a questionnaire on specific symptoms accompanying the disease and post-infection symptoms. The results showed significant improvements in areas such as quality of life, endurance and strength, some spirometric parameters, the anion gap and lactate levels, working memory, and attention in the group of treated patients. In contrast, there were no changes in pH, pO2, pCO2, glucose, and excess alkaline values. A follow-up interview confirmed that the beneficial effects were maintained over time. Considering the results obtained, including the apparent improvement in the patient's clinical condition, it can be concluded that the use of 15 compression sessions was temporarily associated with a noticeable improvement in health and performance parameters as well as improvement in certain blood gas parameters.

Oxidation and "Unconventional” Approaches to Infection

Nonpharmacological approaches can be useful to control infectious diseases. Historically infection has been successfully managed with oxidation therapy methods that support the body's own innate defenses. Several modalities include ozone and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI), intravenous hydrogen peroxide, and ascorbate therapies. Oxidation therapies are virtually 100% safe, and repeatedly reported as highly and quickly effective in quelling infection (bacterial and viral) either as stand-alone therapies or adjunctive with drugs. They are directly and indirectly germicidal, and modulate the immune system via pro-oxidant signaling molecules. Oxidation therapies especially enhance oxygen delivery and metabolism, critical for all infection defenses. Ozone has remitted Ebola, COVID-19, and bacterial infections. UBI defeated most preantibiotic era infections in hospitals. Not being drug therapy, the effects of oxidation defenses, used by planetary animal life for millions of years, are not diminished by antibiotic-resistant organisms. Oxidation, depending on delivery method, can be very inexpensive and third world adaptable. This chapter summarizes the use of these key modalities, by exploring known published literature. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differentially expressed FOXO1, NFE2L2 and NFKB1 mRNAs are associated with differentially regulated corona- and influenza viral receptor genes and Toll-like receptor pathway genes in human bronchial epithelial cells under hyperbaric oxygen exposure

As hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been shown to mitigate the COVID-19 symptoms, we were interested in studying whether HBO exposure affects expression of viral entry genes and innate immune genes in the air-liquid interface (ALI)-cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) derived from normal individuals (NHBECs) and age-matched COPD patients (DHBECs), which were cultured under normoxia or daily exposure of 40-min hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) with 100% O2 at 2.5 ATA for 28 days in total. We found for the first time that HBO exposure differentially regulated mucociliary differentiation of HBECs by respectively decreasing and increasing expression of CGRP, MUC5AC, FOXJ1, NOTCH3 and HEYL in NHBECs and DHBECs, and respectively decreased and increased FOXO1 expression whereas increased and decreased NFE2L2 and NFKB1 expression in NHBECs and DHBECs, in association with respectively decreased and increased expression the SARS-CoV-2 entry genes ACE2 and 2 TMPRSS2 and the tight junction protein genes TJP1 and TJP2, and in association with respectively increased and decreased expression of the cell growth and inflammatory transcription factors SRF, c-FOS and TP63, as well as the TLR pathway genes TLR3, AKT1, IL-1B, IL-5, IL-6, IL-33, IRAK4 and NFKBIA in NHBECs and DHBECs. (Figure Presented).

Timing of embolic phenomena after hydrogen peroxide exposure - a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Hydrogen peroxide ingestions cause significant morbidity and mortality due to oxygen gas emboli and are treatable with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Recommendations for observation are based on small case series. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review is to define the time of onset of embolic phenomena after hydrogen peroxide exposure and to describe the proportion of patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy. METHODS: Cases from a systematic literature search were combined with those from a prior study that used data derived from the American Association of Poison Control Centers National Poison Data System. Air-gas emboli were defined as embolic phenomena (stroke, myocardial infarction, obstructive shock) potentially reversed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Simple counts, mean, and interquartile range were used for description and comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 766 records were identified in the literature search. Three-hundred and eighty-three duplicate records were identified and removed. Of the 383 remaining records, 156 met inclusion criteria; 88 were excluded based on predetermined criteria yielding 68 records with 85 unique cases. Forty-one cases were extracted from the 2017 National Poison Data System study resulting in a total of 126 cases for analysis. Case descriptions: We analyzed these 126 cases and documented 213 discrete clinical events, excluding deaths. There were 108 high-concentration exposures, 10 low-concentration exposures, and 8 were unknown. Thirty-five cases were intentional ingestions but not for self-harm, and 84 were unintentional or accidental. Only 4 cases were for self-harm, and there were 23 pediatric cases. There were 99 air-gas emboli reported in 78 patients. Time to onset: The time to onset of air-gas embolic was documented in 70/78. Time to symptom onset ranged from immediate to 72 h after hydrogen peroxide exposure. Over 90% of embolic symptoms occurred within 10 h of ingestion. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A total of 54/126 cases received hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Of those 54 cases, 31 had primary portal venous gas while the remaining 23 had air-gas emboli. Of the 23 air-gas emboli cases treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, 13 made full recoveries while 10 had residual symptoms or died. Mean time from air-gas emboli symptom onset to hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the full recovery group was 9 h compared to 18.2 h in the partial recovery/death group. Portal venous gas: There were 63 total reported cases of portal venous gas. Forty-nine of these cases were primary portal venous gas, 13 were secondary findings in patients with air-gas emboli and one case was secondary to non-air-gas emboli symptoms. Twenty-seven of 49 patients with portal venous gas (55%) as the primary finding had gastrointestinal bleeding. Thirty of the 63 cases received hyperbaric oxygen therapy for portal venous gas without any documented air-gas emboli. Deaths: Seventeen deaths occurred in the combined cohort. Of these, 13 were associated with high-concentration exposures. All deaths with reported time to symptom onset had symptoms within 1 h of exposure. CONCLUSION: This review of hydrogen peroxide exposure cases suggests that clinically significant embolic phenomena occur within 10 h of exposure, although delayed air-gas emboli do happen and should considered when deciding duration of observation. It remains equivocal whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is beneficial in cases of primary portal venous gas without systemic involvement.

Multiple branch retinal artery occlusions following the new facial cosmetic filler (Poly-D, L-lactic Acid) injection a case report.

BACKGROUND: Poly-D, L-lactic acid is (PDLLA) a new cosmetic filler. We reported the first case of PDLLA-related devastating complication of multiple branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old female had sudden blindness after injection of PDLLA at the glabella. After emergency intraocular pressure-lowering medicine, ocular massage, steroid pulse therapy, heparin and alprostadil infusion, and subsequent treatments including acupuncture and 40 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, her best-corrected visual acuity improved from hand motion at 30 cm to 0.3 within 2 months. CONCLUSION: Although safety of PDLLA was evaluated in animal studies and in 16,000 human cases, it could still cause rare but devastating retinal artery occlusion as in the present case. Proper and immediate therapies could still improve patient's vision and scotoma. Surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of iatrogenic filler-related retinal artery occlusion.

Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: The Primary Results of a Randomised Clinical Trial.

Mortality in COVID-19 is mainly associated with respiratory failure, cytokine storm, and macrophage activation. Oxygenation and anti-inflammatory effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) suggest that it is a promising adjunct treatment for COVID-19. Repeated sessions of HBO with standard COVID-19 therapy were used to reduce the inflammation and increase oxygenation. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of HBOT in avoiding the replacement ventilation and/or ECMO and its effect on the inflammatory process. Twenty-eight moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients were randomized into control or HBOT group. HBOT patients participated in 5 hyperbaric sessions (60 min). Before and after each session blood gas levels and vital parameters were monitored. Blood samples were collected for extended biochemical tests, blood morphology and immunological assays. There were 3 deaths in the control, no deaths in the HBOT group. No adverse events leading to discontinuation of HBOT were observed and patients receiving HBOT required lower oxygen delivery. We observed decrease in CRP, ferritin and LDH and increase in CD3 in HBOT group compared to control. This study confirmed the feasibility and safety of HBOT in patients with COVID-19 and indicated HBOT can lead to alleviation of inflammation and partial restoration of T cell responses.

Clinical and biochemical short-term effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on SARS-Cov-2+ hospitalized patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure.

BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed to address COVID-19- associated respiratory failure. However, its biochemical effects are poorly known. METHOD: 50 patients with hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia were divided into C group (standard care) and H group (standard care plus HBOT). Blood was obtained at t = 0 and t = 5 days. Oxygen saturation (O2 Sat) was followed up. White blood cell (WC) count, lymphocytes (L) and platelets (P) and serum analysis (glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, ferritin, D dimer, LDH and CRP) were carried out. Plasma levels of sVCAM, sICAM, sPselectin, SAA and MPO, and of cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-1RA, IL-6, TNFα, IFNα, IFNγ, IL-15, VEGF, MIP1α, IL-12p70, IL-2 and IP-10) were measured by multiplex assays. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) levels were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: The average basal O2 Sat was 85 ± 3%. The days needed to reach O2 Sat >90% were: H: 3 ± 1 and C: 5 ± 1 (P < 0,01). At term, H increased WC, L and P counts (all, H vs C: P < 0,01). Also, H diminished D dimer levels (H vs C, P < 0,001) and LDH concentration (H vs C, P < 0.01]. At term, H showed lower levels of sVCAM, sPselectin and SAA than C with respect to basal values (H vs C: ΔsVCAM: P < 0,01; ΔsPselectin: P < 0,05; ΔSAA: P < 0,01). Similarly, H showed diminished levels of TNFα (ΔTNFα: P < 0,05) and increased levels of IL-1RA and VEGF than C respect to basal values (H vs C: ΔIL-1RA and ΔVEGF: P < 0,05). CONCLUSION: Patients underwent HBOT improved O2 Sat with lower levels of severity markers (WC and platelets count, D dimer, LDH, SAA). Moreover, HBOT reduced proinflammatory agents (sVCAM, sPselectin, TNFα) and increased anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic ones (IL-1RA and VEGF).

NSTI Outcomes with and without Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Background. Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are characterized by fulminant tissue destruction and high mortality rates. Primary treatment is surgical debridement and antibiotics;hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be considered as adjuvant therapy. HBOT for NSTI remains controversial given the lack of quality evidence. HBOT is frequently used for NSTI at our institution;however, the early COVID-19 pandemic forced a significant decrease in its utilization. This practice change created an unusually high proportion of NSTI patients who did not receive HBOT at our institution and thus provided an opportunity to compare outcomes amongst NSTI patients who received HBOT against those who did not. Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18 years and older admitted with the diagnosis of NSTI between January 2018 and December 2020, a period that included the first 6 months of the pandemic (Figure 1). We collected data on patient demographics, comorbidities, infection location, pathogen, severity of illness (APACHE II score), whether HBOT was provided and number of dives. Outcomes included 90-day mortality, amputations, inpatient antibiotic days, ventilator days, and hospital length of stay. (Table Presented) Results. 253 patients were included of whom 143 (56%) received HBOT and 110 (43.3%) did not. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups except for Wound Surface Area (WSA) and APACHE II score (Table 1). Length of stay was significantly longer in HBOT patients (15.3 days vs 11.7 days p=0.005, Table 2). Fewer HBOT patients had amputations (7.5% vs 21% p=0.007) and fewer died within 90 days of admission (6.3% vs 14.5% p=0.029). When stratifying patients by APACHE II score, HBOT patients with APACHE II scores > 18 had significantly lower mortality than non-HBOT patients (9.7% vs 32.4% p=0.035). Conclusion. In this population of NSTI patients who underwent surgical debridement, HBOT was associated with lower incidence of amputation, and lower mortality. Patients with APACHE II scores >18 who received HBOT had lower mortality than those who did not. A prospective study should further evaluate the impact of HBOT on mortality and amputations.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in stage III C Kienböck disease: Time is bone.

Kienböck disease, also known as lunatomalacia, is a rare condition which can lead to progressive wrist pain and abnormal carpal motion. We present the case of a 30-year-old patient with Down syndrome who came to our observation for treatment of stage III C Kienböck disease. In September 2019, the patient reported wrist pain with limitation in movements and initially underwent conservative treatment without benefit. In October 2020, pain symptoms and difficult movements with reduced strength worsened and surgical treatment was proposed, but the patient and his family declined. Thereby the patient underwent conservative treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) 60 sessions, 100% oxygen at 2.5 absolute atmospheres (ATA), oxygen total time 60 min, once daily, five times per week. After 6 months, a positive clinical and radiological evolution were observed, with an improvement in the patterns of pain, motion, and strength and an almost complete involution of the process of aseptic necrosis of the semilunar. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of stage III C Kienböck's disease in Down's syndrome patient treated with HBOT.

Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Be Used to Treat Children after COVID-19? A Bibliographic Review.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic is a public health emergency of international concern. It was believed that SARS-CoV-2 virus was much less likely affect children. Statistics show that children account for 2-13% of all COVID-19 patients in individual countries. In the youngest population, acute respiratory failure is not as serious a problem as complications after COVID-19, mainly pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS, MIS-C). This study used a bibliography review. The Medline database (using the PubMed platform) and the Cochrane Clinical Trials database were searched using the following keywords: hyperbaric oxygen therapy for children, treatment of children with COVID-19, and use of HBOT in the treatment of children following COVID-19. Thirteen publications that quantitatively and qualitatively described the efficacy of HBOT application in the treatment of pediatric diseases were eligible among the studies; those relating to the use of HBOT in the treatment of children with COVID-19 and its complications were not found. The bibliographic review showed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used in the treatment of children after carbon monoxide poisoning, with soft tissue necrosis, bone necrosis, after burns, or after skin transplant. No evidence supported by research has been found in scientific journals on the effectiveness of the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with a history of COVID-19 infection. Research data are needed to develop evidence-driven strategies with regard to the use of HBOT therapy in the treatment of children and to reduce the number of pediatric patients suffering because of complications after COVID-19.

MEMBRANOUS DEHISCENCE AFTER TRACHEAL RESECTION AND RECONSTRUCTION HEALED SPONTANEOUSLY WITH CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT

SESSION TITLE: Rare Cases in Cardiothoracic Surgery SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 12:25 pm - 01:25 pm INTRODUCTION: Membranous dehiscence after tracheal resection is an uncommon but deadly complication. It may present acutely with loss of airway, insidiously with progressive stridor, infection or subcutaneous emphysema, or asymptomatically. Treatment may be conservative if the separation is minimal but may require re-exploration if the defect is more severe. The extent of dehiscence amenable to conservative treatment is not well described in the literature. This case report describes the conservative treatment of a posterior membrane dehiscence. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old woman suffered from stridor due to tracheal stenosis after prolonged intubation from COVID-19. Endobronchial treatments were unsuccessful because of a malacic segment of airway. Via a cervical approach, approximately 2cm of malacic trachea was resected. Reconstruction was performed with a running suture of the posterior membrane and interrupted, figure-of-eight sutures of the anterior trachea. On postoperative day 5, the patient developed subcutaneous emphysema. A CT scan was obtained (Figure 1A), demonstrating disruption of the membranous portion of the anastomosis. As the patient's breathing was not affected, conservative treatment was preferred. She was encouraged to maintain her neck in a flexed position while continuously monitored with a pulse oximeter and treated with intravenous and aerosolized antibiotics. A repeat CT scan was obtained one week after (Figure 1B), showing no residual tracheal wall defect. Postoperative bronchoscopy showed that the posterior membrane had healed entirely. She remains asymptomatic on follow-up visits. DISCUSSION: Wound dehiscence after tracheal resection and reconstruction occurs in about 1-4% of the cases (1, 2), and it is associated with a significant morbidity and a 0.6% chance of mortality (1). We believe the membranous anastomosis failed because the posterior membrane was inflamed and adhered to the esophagus during the index operation. We did not want to perform a bronchoscopy in this situation, as positioning and coughing could exacerbate the dehiscence. As her breathing was unaffected at this point, we debated between a conservative or invasive approach. Conservative management is preferred for small defects and mild symptoms (3), but there is sparse further elaboration in the literature. Because the cartilaginous anastomosis appeared intact and she was breathing spontaneously, we decided to treat conservatively with expectant management. This included aggressive treatment with antibiotics to avoid infection and further anastomotic breakdown. More examples are needed to establish the likelihood of success with conservative treatment versus revisional surgery for partial dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: Dehiscence after tracheal resection increases morbidity and mortality significantly. This is an example of a posterior membrane dehiscence that resolved spontaneously with conservative measures. Reference #1: Stock C, Gukasyan N, Muniappan A, Wright C, Mathisen D. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of anastomotic complications after tracheal resection and reconstruction. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014;147(3):1030-5. Reference #2: Young A, Bigcas JLM. Tracheal Resection. [Updated 2022 Feb 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing;2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563234/. Reference #3: Auchincloss HG, Wright CD. Complications after tracheal resection and reconstruction: prevention and treatment. J Thorac Dis. 2016;8(Suppl 2):S160-7. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Rocio Castillo-Larios No relevant relationships by Magdy El-Sayed Ahmed No relevant relationships by Sebastian Fernandez-Bussy No relevant relationships by daniel hernandez No relevant relationships by Samuel Jacob No relevant relationships by Ian Makey No relevant relationships by Sai Priyanka Pulipaka No relevant relationships b Mathew Thomas No relevant relationships by Alejandra Yu Lee-Mateus

Treatment of SSNHL in the COVID-19 pandemic - time for changes

Our work aimed to review the literature about sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) treatment and the approach to this problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current knowledge on SSNHL was sought and presented based on literature published in English-language journals from the Master Journal List. We searched for articles in the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a relatively common pathology in otolaryngology. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery published guidelines for managing SSNHL, specifying systemic and intratympanic (IT) steroid therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as the optional adjunctive treatment. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the standard treatment of SSNHL needed to be verified to identify possible interference of virus infection with pharmacological and hyperbaric therapy. The general use of standard treatment of SSNHL with steroids and HBO according to internationally approved guidelines should ensure safe medical procedures due to epidemiological restrictions. Potential relations between COVID-19 and SSNHL, as well as concomitant use of anticoagulants, should be investigated. © Polish Otorhinolaryngology Review.

Effective Outcome of HBOT as an Adjuvant Therapy in Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19 in a Tertiary Care Hospital - A Preliminary Study.

Introduction: Hyperbaricoxygen therapy (HBOT) is breathing100% oxygen in pressurised chamber. This therapy ensures quick oxygen delivery to the bloodstream. In patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, progressive hypoxemia occurs. Oxygen therapy hasa significant role in its management. Aim of the study: The objective was to study the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as adjuvant therapy for reducing the requirement of additional oxygen supplementationin patients with moderate to severe ARDS diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: A single-centre prospective pilot cohort study was conducted ata tertiary care hospital from December 2020 to February 2021 over two months. Fifty patients with COVID-19 needingoxygen, satisfying the selection criteria, were included. Hyperbaricoxygen therapy wasgiven to all patients. The patient received30-45 minutes of hyperbaric oxygen with 15 minutes of pressurizing and depressurizing at 2.0 atmosphere absolute (ATA) with or without airbrakesas per the critical care team. Oxygen requirement, PaO2, andcondition at discharge were considered as primary outcome variables. Results: Among the 50 participants studied, the mean age was 53.64±13.26 years. Out of 50 participants, 49(98.00%) had PaO2≤80 mmHg, and one (2.00%) had >80 PaO2. All the participants 50(100%) had PaO2 as 90 mmHg after three sittings. Conclusion: This studyshows promising results in using HBOT to overcome respiratory failure in COVID-19. HBOT reduced the need for oxygen by improving the oxygen saturation levels.

Modern a COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombosis of Central Retinal Artery-Report of a Case

Objective: To report a rarely isolated central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) following Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Moderna (mRNA-1273). Background: COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus was firstly reported in Dec 2019 and became pandemic as of Mar 2020. Fortunately, novel rapidly developed COVID-19 vaccines are capable of lessening the pandemic effectively. As billions of people vaccinated, however, COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombosis (VIT) are gradually emerging. Design/Methods: A previously healthy 70-year-old man presented with acute painless visual loss of the right eye five days after the first dose of Moderna vaccine. On examination of the right eye, visual acuity (VA) was counting finger at 15 cm. Fundoscopy revealed a diffuse whitened retina with cherry-red spot. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed hyperreflectivity. Screening tests for platelet and D-Dimer levels were unremarkable. CRAO was treated with clopidogrel and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The serum level of anti-platelet factor-4 (PF4) antibody was 73.34 ng/ml (ref, 0-49.99 ng/ml).Two months later, VA was counting finger at 10 cm3 and OCT revealed hyperreflectivity and mild inner retina atrophy Results: COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT) based on the victims receiving AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines is through autoimmune antibody against PF4. VITT is typically manifested within 6-24 days post-vaccination;thrombotic sites are in the cerebral sinus, portal vein, splanchnic vein, and pulmonary emboli;as well as thrombocytopenia and increased level of D-Dimer. Our patient had isolated CRAO five days post-Moderna vaccination but normal platelet count and D-Dimer level. Moreover, VIT with isolated CRAO was not published on PubMed. Conclusions: VIT could occur in the unusual site such as CRAO in our case. Normal platelet and D-Dimer levels might not be sensitive tools to exclude VIT. Suspected patient with thrombotic event after COVID-19 vaccines should have anti-PF4 antibody test to assure an effective treatment.

Some Important Points in Oxygen Therapy: An Update for the Clinicians in the Covid Era

The use of oxygen has gained much prominence in the Covid era. However, there are still lacunae in the practical knowledge of health workers regarding proper use of this medical gas. Daily clinical experience still reveals instances of over-and under-use of oxygen. There are various aspects of oxygen use, including choosing the proper source, the proper delivery device, and the proper duration, which must be decided appropriately for maximum benefit of the patient. This article aims to present certain practical aspects of oxygen use for the clinician. While this is an essential knowledge for the Covid era, the learning will be useful for the future too.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for long coronavirus disease-19: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in a growing population of individuals who experience a wide range of persistent symptoms referred to as "long COVID." Symptoms include neurocognitive impairment and fatigue. Two potential mechanisms could be responsible for these long-term unremitting symptoms: hypercoagulability, which increases the risk of blood vessel occlusion, and an uncontrolled continuous inflammatory response. Currently, no known treatment is available for long COVID. One of the options to reverse hypoxia, reduce neuroinflammation, and induce neuroplasticity is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In this article, we present the first case report of a previously healthy athletic individual who suffered from long COVID syndrome treated successfully with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy 55-year-old Caucasian man presented 3 months after severe coronavirus disease 2019 infection with long COVID syndrome. His symptoms included a decline in memory, multitasking abilities, energy, breathing, and physical fitness. After evaluation that included brain perfusion magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, computerized cognitive tests, and cardiopulmonary test, he was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Each session included exposure to 90 minutes of 100% oxygen at 2 atmosphere absolute pressure with 5-minute air breaks every 20 minutes for 60 sessions, 5 days per week. Evaluation after completing the treatment showed significant improvements in brain perfusion and microstructure by magnetic resonance imaging and significant improvement in memory with the most dominant effect being on nonverbal memory, executive functions, attention, information procession speed, cognitive flexibility, and multitasking. The improved cognitive functions correlated with the increased cerebral blood flow in brain regions as measured by perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. With regard to physical capacity, there was a 34% increase in the maximum rate of oxygen consumed during exercise and a 44% improvement in forced vital capacity. The improved physical measurements correlated with the regain of his pre-COVID physical capacity. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case of successfully treated long COVID symptoms with hyperbaric oxygen therapy with improvements in cognition and cardiopulmonary function. The beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen shed additional light on the pathophysiology of long COVID. As this is a single case report, further prospective randomized control studies are needed.

Principles of Disinfectant Use and Safety Operation in Medical Facilities During Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak.

Medical collapse became a major concern under coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak; prevention of medical accidents is essential during disinfection either. The objective of this review is to enhance the awareness regarding the safety aspects towards infection prevention practices and to offer solutions for safe patient care practices including side effects of disinfectants and precaution in specific medical facilities especially in hemodialysis rooms, intensive care unit, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) chambers, or patient transport vehicle. Literature was researched that was obtained from studies of human coronavirus infections, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and created a summary of the characteristics of these disinfectants. This review is not intended to replace infection prevention policies and procedures established by hospitals, and manufacturers, but to provide some update confidence in the safety measures that each medical facility already uses and to offer additional input that should optimally reduce the risk of infection.