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.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on weight loss and hyperlipidemia in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBO) can promote weight loss and recovery of hyperlipidemia in rats, and to explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: 180 SD rats were divided into 6 groups with 30 rats in each group. The first 3 groups were intraperitoneally injected with fat emulsion to make hyperlipidemia models, and the last three groups were injected with normal saline. The first three groups received 3 h/d, 6 h/d, 0 h/d HBO therapy respectively, and the last three groups received the same treatment. Body weight, blood lipid and transaminase were measured in all SD rats, and pathological sections of heart, liver and kidney were observed. RESULTS: Hyperlipidemia group treated with 3 h/d hyperbaric oxygen has the effect of reducing hyperlipidemia compared with other groups and has the effect of heart and kidney protection. Although 6 h/d HBO therapy has a more noticeable effect on lowering hyperlipidemia, it has more apparent liver damage effects. The normal group treated with HBO for 3 h/d or 6 h/d both have the effect of weight loss, and the impact of liver injury is not apparent. However, the 6 h/d HBO therapy group had a more prominent weight loss effect. CONCLUSION: HBO therapy can promote weight loss and reduce hyperlipidemia. Our experiments have shown that 6 h/d and 3 h/d HBO therapy reduces blood lipids in hyperlipidemia SD rats. However, the former has noticeable liver damage effects on SD rats, and the latter is adequate for protecting the liver in normal or hyperlipidemia SD rats. At the same time, it has been proved that HBO therapy has cardio and kidney protection in hyperlipidemia SD rats.

A novel hyperbaric swimming respirometer allows the simulation of varying swimming depths in fish respirometry studies.

The understanding of swimming physiology and knowledge on the metabolic costs of swimming are important for assessing effects of environmental factors on migratory behavior. Swim tunnels are the most common experimental setups for measuring swimming performance and oxygen uptake rates in fishes; however, few can realistically simulate depth and the changes in hydrostatic pressure that many fishes experience, e.g. during diel vertical migrations. Here, we present a new hyperbaric swimming respirometer (HSR) that can simulate depths of up to 80 m. The system consists of three separate, identical swimming tunnels, each with a volume of 205 L, a control board and a storage tank with water treatment. The swimming chamber of each tunnel has a length of 1.40 m and a diameter of 20 cm. The HSR uses the principle of intermittent-flow respirometry and has here been tested with female European eels (Anguilla anguilla). Various pressure, temperature and flow velocity profiles can be programmed, and the effect on metabolic activity and oxygen consumption can be assessed. Thus, the HSR provides opportunities to study the physiology of fish during swimming in a simulated depth range that corresponds to many inland, coastal and shelf waters.

Performance characteristics of high-frequency percussive ventilation under hyperbaric conditions.

Introduction: Safe administration of critical care hyperbaric medicine requires specialized equipment and advanced training. Equipment must be tested in order to evaluate function in the hyperbaric environment. High-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) has been used in intensive care settings effectively, but it has never been tested in a hyperbaric chamber. Methods: Following a modified U.S. Navy testing protocol used to evaluate hyperbaric ventilators, we evaluated an HFPV transport ventilator in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber at 1.0, 1.9, and 2.8 atmospheres absolute (ATA). We used a test lung with analytical software for data collection. The ventilator uses simultaneous cyclic pressure-controlled ventilation at a pulsatile flow rate (PFR)/oscillatory continuous positive airway pressure (oCPAP) ratio of 30/10 with a high-frequency oscillation percussive rate of 500 beats per minute. Inspiratory and expiratory times were maintained at two seconds throughout each breathing cycle. Results: During manned studies, the PFR/oCPAP ratios were 26/6, 22/7, and 22.5/8 at an airway resistance of 20cm H2O/L/second and 18/9, 15.2/8.5, and 13.6/7 at an airway resistance of 50 cm/H2O/L/second at 1, 1.9, and 2.8 ATA. The resulting release volumes were 800, 547, and 513 mL at airway resistance of 20 cm H2O/L/sec and 400, 253, and 180 mL at airway resistance of 50 cm/H2O/L/sec at 1, 1.9, and 2.8 ATA. Unmanned testing showed similar changes. The mean airway pressure (MAP) remained stable throughout all test conditions; theoretically, supporting adequate lung recruitment and gas exchange. A case where HFPV was used to treat a patient for CO poisoning was presented to illustrate that HFPV worked well under HBO2 conditions and no complications occurred during HBO2 treatment. Conclusion: The HFPV transport ventilator performed adequately under hyperbaric conditions and should be considered a viable option for hyperbaric critical care. This ventilator has atypical terminology and produces unique pulmonary physiology, thus requiring specialized training prior to use.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with ulcerative colitis: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) belongs to chronic colitis whose etiology and pathogenesis still have remained unclear. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been demonstrated to be effective for UC therapy. Still, evidence of its efficacy and safety is inconclusive. The purpose of the protocol is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HBOT in UC therapy. METHODS: This systematic review will retrieve studies that meet the requirements in Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China national knowledge infrastructure database (CNKI), Wei Pu database, Wan fang database, SinoMed, Google scholar, and Baidu Scholar from their inception to November 2020. Two authors are to be independent in their article selection, data collection, and research quality assessments. The primary outcome is the clinical effectiveness. And the secondary outcomes will include 4 criteria. RevMan 5.3 software will be utilized for analysis of the data. RESULTS: The results of this study are to be submitted via a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: The study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of HBOT for UC and provide valid and reliable evidence regarding HBOT for UC. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020100118.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be effective to improve hypoxemia in patients with severe COVID-2019 pneumonia: two case reports.

Objectives: To determine whether hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy be effective to improve hypoxemia for severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Methods: Two male patients ages 57 and 64 years old were treated. Each met at least one of the following criteria: shortness of breath; respiratory rate (RR) ≥30 breaths/minute; finger pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤93% at rest; and oxygen index (P/F ratio: PaO2/FiO2 ≤300 mmHg). Each case excluded any combination with pneumothorax, pulmonary bullae or other absolute contraindications to HBO2. Patients were treated with 1.5 atmospheres absolute HBO2 with an oxygen concentration of more than 95% for 60 minutes per treatment, once a day for one week. Patients' self-reported symptoms, daily mean SpO2 (SO2), arterial blood gas analysis, D-dimer, lymphocyte, cholinesterase (che) and chest CT were conducted and measured. Results: For both patients, dyspnea and shortness of breath were immediately alleviated after the first HBO2 treatment and remarkably relieved after seven days of HBO2 therapy. The RR also decreased daily. Neither patient became critically ill. The decreasing trend of SO2 and P/F ratio was immediately reversed and increased day by day. The lymphocyte count and ratio corresponding to immune function gradually recovered. D-dimer corresponding to peripheral circulation disorders and serum cholinesterase, reflecting liver function had improved. Follow-up chest CT showed that the pulmonary inflammation had clearly subsided. Conclusion: Our preliminary uncontrolled case reports suggest that HBO2 therapy may promptly improve the progressive hypoxemia of patients with COVID-2019 pneumonia. However, the limited sample size and study design preclude a definitive statement about the potential effectiveness of HBO2 therapy to COVID-2019 pneumonia. It requires evaluation in randomized clinical trials in future.

In-situ simulation for the detection of latent risk threats in a hyperbaric medicine department.

Simulation (SIM) can be used in the quality improvement process to discover latent risk threats (LRTs) by running in-situ simulation cases in the clinical environment. We utilized this methodology in the hyperbaric chamber to run six in-situ SIM sessions between February 2017 and January 2019. The debriefing portion of each SIM was used to discuss and document all discovered LRTs. These safety threats were aggregated and categorized, resulting in a total of 22 unique LRTs. LRTs included problems or challenges with equipment, team education, policy/processes, communications, and medications. At a three-month follow-up, the hyperbaric leadership team had addressed each of the 22 unique LRTs. SIM can be used to identify, categorize and prioritize LRTs in an effective manner, in order to improve the health care delivery system in a hyperbaric medicine department.

Experiencia del Servicio de Medicina Hiperbárica en el tratamiento con oxigenoterapia hiperbárica de pacientes COVID-19 / Lessons identified by the Hyperbaric Departament about the treatment for COVID-19 patients with hyperbaric oxygentherapy

Durante el periodo inicial de la pandemia de COVID-19, y debido a la saturación del sistema asistencial se planteó administrar tratamiento con oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (OHB) a pacientes con PCR + para COVID-19 o con alta sospecha clínica, radiológica y analítica en el Servicio de Medicina Hiperbárica (SMHB) del Hospital Central de la Defensa «Gómez Ulla» (HCD). OBJETIVOS: asistir a pacientes que no respondían a tratamiento, así como comprobar la eficacia de la OHB como una herramienta útil para el tratamiento del COVID-19. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se valoraron 11 peticiones de tratamiento con OHB, de pacientes procedentes de plantas COVID-19 y UCI, de los cuales finalmente se trataron únicamente a 6 pacientes. Se procedió al tratamiento en cámara multiplaza, entre 1,6 y 2 atmósferas de presión absoluta (ATA) y tiempo de exposición entre 90 y 105 minutos, con la presencia en todo momento de acompañante. Se diseñaron protocolos de protección biológica respiratoria y de contacto frente al coronavirus. Se realizaron controles analíticos y pruebas de imagen. Resultado y conclusiones: Se completaron 35 sesiones de tratamiento. Los pacientes recibieron entre 1 y 14 sesiones No se produjo ningún caso de infección entre los sanitarios del servicio. Los pacientes que por su estado pudieron recibir más de 5 sesiones de OHB tuvieron una mejor evolución clínica. Se observaron reflejos de desaturación postratamiento con OHB

During the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic and due to saturation of the health care system, it was necessary to treat with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) (in the Hyperbaric Medicine Service at the Defence Central Hospital «Gómez Ulla» (HCD)), some patients with PCR (+) for COVID -19, or with clinical, radiological or analytical high indicative data. OBJECTIVES: to treat patients without positive answer to regular treatment and to check the effectiveness of HBO as useful therapy for COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHOD: There were valued 11 requests for treatment from COVID-9 wards and the Intensive Care Department. Eventually 6 of those patients were treated. These patients were treated in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber between 1.6 and 2 ATAs and for 90 to 105 minutes of time, with ancillary personnel inside the chamber the whole sessions. There were also developed security protocols to prevent COVID-19 infection. Image and analytics controls were followed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 35 sessions of treatment were completed. The patients received from 1 to 14 sessions. It did not happen any case of infection on the medical personnel of the HBO Department. The patients which (due to their physical status) could receive 5 or more sessions had a better clinical evolution. Some desaturation reflexes were observed

Valeur thérapeutique de l'oxygénothérapie hyperbare chez les enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale / The therapeutic value of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on children with cerebral palsy

MANDAT: L'Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) a reçu du ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) le mandat d'évaluer la valeur thérapeutique de l'oxygénothérapie hyperbare (OHB) chez les enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale, dans le but de soutenir une décision quant à un possible ajout à la gamme de services publics. DÉMARCHE D'ÉVALUATION: Une revue systématique de la littérature a été réalisée pour repérer les données probantes en vue d'évaluer l'efficacité et l'innocuité de l'OHB ainsi que ses effets sur la qualité de vie des enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale et de leurs parents. Des métaanalyses ont été réalisées sur certains résultats d'intérêt lorsque les données scientifiques le permettaient. Des données contextuelles et expérientielles issues de la consultation d'experts (cliniciens et chercheurs) et de parties prenantes (représentants d'un regroupement de parents, d'une association soutenant les personnes atteintes et leurs proches, de centres et de cliniques hyperbares, de centres de réadaptation physique) ont été présentées. Une collecte d'information visant à capter la perspective de parents d'enfants et de jeunes adultes avec une paralysie cérébrale a été effectuée au moyen de questionnaires et d'entrevues individuelles. PARALYSIE CÉRÉBRALE ET BESOINS DE SANTÉ: La paralysie cérébrale est la principale cause d'incapacité physique et de retard de développement chez les enfants. Bien que la prévalence globale mondiale soit évaluée à 2,11 pour 1000 naissances vivantes, elle n'est pas encore précisée au Canada. La paralysie cérébrale désigne un ensemble de troubles du développement du mouvement et de la posture, qui sont responsables de limitations d'activité. Ces troubles sont causés par des atteintes neurologiques non progressives survenues au cours du développement du cerveau pendant la grossesse, lors de la naissance ou durant les premières semaines de vie. Diverses affections y sont souvent associées : troubles de la cognition, du langage, de la perception ou du comportement; atteintes sensorielles; épilepsie; problèmes musculosquelettiques secondaires et de la fonction oromotrice. Aucun traitement curatif de la paralysie cérébrale n'est disponible actuellement. Chaque personne touchée présente un profil clinique et un degré de gravité de l'atteinte différents, ce qui complexifie la démarche d'évaluation diagnostique. La prise en charge des enfants est effectuée par une équipe clinique interdisciplinaire (médicale et de réadaptation physique) en partenariat avec les parents et vise l'amélioration de la fonction musculaire, de la mobilité articulaire, des capacités d'expression verbale ainsi que des corrections orthopédiques (correction de déformations et de désalignements). Les conséquences significatives de la paralysie cérébrale sur la qualité de vie de l'enfant et des parents ont été illustrées. Les parents interviewés ont mis en lumière leur grande implication dans les soins et les services à donner à leur enfant. Bien qu'ils soient généralement satisfaits des soins et des services reçus, des préoccupations relatives à la variabilité de l'offre de services de réadaptation ont été soulevées. Une bonification des services de soutien, de répit, d'information et d'aide financière est souhaitée par certains parents. De plus, la plupart d'entre eux gardent espoir qu'un traitement puisse contribuer encore plus à l'évolution positive de l'état de leur enfant et à améliorer leur qualité de vie. OXYGÉNOTHÉRAPIE HYPERBARE: L'oxygénothérapie hyperbare (OHB) est une technologie qui permet d'administrer de l'oxygène pur ou un mélange de gaz suroxygéné à une ou plusieurs personnes à l'intérieur d'un caisson ou d'une chambre pressurisée (pression supérieure à la pression atmosphérique standard ­ 1 atmosphère absolue [ATA]). Santé Canada reconnaît actuellement l'efficacité de l'OHB pour traiter 14 types d'affection, mais la paralysie cérébrale n'en fait pas partie. Au Québec, comme dans la vaste majorité des systèmes de santé comparables, le traitement de la paralysie cérébrale par OHB n'est pas reconnu et ne peut pas être prescrit. Les deux centres hospitaliers (CH) du Québec qui sont équipés de chambres hyperbares à parois rigides ne peuvent traiter que les patients qui répondent aux indications reconnues au Canada. CONTEXTE D'UTILISATION AU QUÉBEC: Au Québec, le recours à l'OHB chez les enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale remonte aux années 90. Au fil des ans, plusieurs parents ont choisi d'avoir recours à l'OHB pour traiter leur enfant. Quelques cliniques privées offrent ce traitement aux enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale et des entreprises privées louent ou vendent des caissons portatifs à parois souples. Ce type de caisson est généralement utilisé à domicile sans apport d'oxygène additionnel et à une pression d'air ambiant légèrement plus élevée que la pression atmosphérique (généralement à 1,3 ATA). Cette intervention est désignée davantage par AHB (air légèrement pressurisé; en anglais hyperbaric air ou HBA) que par OHB. Si les avis des professionnels de la santé sont partagés quant à l'utilisation de l'OHB ou de l'AHB, des parents utilisateurs interviewés se sont dits satisfaits des effets qu'ils ont perçus chez leur enfant. Bien que le fonctionnement des chambres hyperbares à parois rigides homologuées par Santé Canada soit considéré comme sécuritaire pour autant que les précautions de sécurité qui s'imposent soient respectées, ce n'est pas le cas des enceintes hyperbares à parois souples, lesquelles ne sont pas homologuées par Santé Canada. RÉSULTATS: La revue systématique de la littérature a permis de retenir dix études pour évaluer la valeur thérapeutique de l'OHB chez les enfants vivant avec une paralysie cérébrale, soit deux essais cliniques randomisés (ECR) dont la qualité méthodologique est jugée adéquate (moyenne et élevée), et huit études de faible qualité méthodologique comportant plusieurs limites, soit deux ECR, une étude comparative avant-après (ECAA) et cinq études non comparatives avant-après (ENCAA). De plus, trois évaluations des technologies de la santé (ETS) ont été publiées sur l'utilisation de l'OHB chez les enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale et aucune ne rapporte une efficacité à cet égard. Aucun des guides de pratique clinique repérés ne reconnaît la paralysie cérébrale comme une indication d'utilisation de l'OHB. APPRÉCIATION DE LA VALEUR THÉRAPEUTIQUE: Depuis la publication du rapport de l'Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé (AETMIS) en 2007 sur la place de l'OHB dans la prise en charge de la paralysie cérébrale, six nouvelles études ont été publiées. À la lumière de l'évaluation de l'INESSS et des experts consultés, ces nouvelles données ont une portée limitée et n'éclairent pas davantage sur l'efficacité et l'innocuité de l'OHB. Les données scientifiques proviennent d'études dont la plupart comportent plusieurs limites. Tant les profils des sujets que les protocoles d'OHB (voire d'AHB) utilisés présentent une diversité qui rend ardue la comparaison entre études. Les questionnements et les préoccupations au regard des études publiées sont multiples : pertinence des groupes témoins ou du traitement simulé utilisés dans les ECR; limites des plans d'étude; peu d'ajustement des groupes en fonction des principaux facteurs de confusion. Les parents consultés perçoivent de leur côté des effets positifs des traitements, surtout sur le plan cognitif; des effets qui sont moins évalués dans les études publiées et qui s'attardent davantage sur la motricité globale. Bien que peu d'effets indésirables associés à l'OHB ou à l'AHB soient rapportés dans les études ainsi que par diverses parties prenantes rencontrées et par des parents utilisateurs interviewés, des préoccupations subsistent, autant chez les agences réglementaires que chez des professionnels de la santé consultés, y compris des spécialistes en médecine hyperbare. Aucune étude n'a rapporté de données sur la qualité de vie des enfants, alors qu'il s'agit de l'une des données importantes dans l'évaluation d'une intervention telle que l'OHB chez les enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale. Par conséquent, la démonstration de la valeur thérapeutique n'a pu être établie à la lumière des données disponibles. RECOMMANDATION DE l'INESSS: À la lumière des données scientifiques, contextuelles et expérientielles colligées, et en l'absence de démonstration d'une valeur thérapeutique, l'INESSS est d'avis que l'ajout de l'OHB ou de l'AHB à la gamme de services publics pour traiter les enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale ne constitue pas une option juste et raisonnable.

MANDATE: The Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) was mandated by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) to assess the therapeutic value of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on children with cerebral palsy for the purpose of supporting a decision with respect to possibly adding this form of therapy to the range of public services. ASSESSMENT PROCESS: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify evidence-based findings relevant to the evaluation of the efficacy and innocuity of HBO and its impact on the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy and their parents. Meta-analyses were performed on outcomes of interest when the scientific data so permitted. Contextual and experiential data gathered through consultations with experts (clinicians and scientists) and stakeholders (representatives of a group of parents, an association supporting people with cerebral palsy and their relatives, hyperbaric centers and clinics, physical rehabilitation centers) were presented. Information was gathered from parents of children and young adults with cerebral palsy through the conduct of questionnaires and individual interviews with the aim of understanding their perspective and views. CEREBRAL PALSY AND HEALTH NEEDS: Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability and developmental delay in children. While the global prevalence is estimated at 2.11 per 1,000 live births, that of the Canadian population has not yet been defined. Cerebral palsy is a group of developmental disorders affecting movement and posture and responsible for activity limitation. These disorders are caused by non-progressive neurological dysfunctions, which occurred during the baby's brain development during pregnancy, at birth or in the newborn's first weeks of life. Various disorders are associated with cerebral palsy: cognitive, speech, perception or behavioral impairment; sensorial dysfunctions; epilepsy; and secondary musculoskeletal and oral-motor function problems. There exists no curative treatment for cerebral palsy. Clinical profiles and disorder severity levels differ from one person with cerebral palsy to another, thus making diagnostic assessments more complex. Care management of children with clinical palsy is provided by interdisciplinary clinical teams (medical and physical rehabilitation) in partnership with the parents. It aims at improving the child's muscular function, articular mobility and oral expression capacity and at making orthopedic corrections (correction of malformation and malalignment). Cerebral palsy has profound effects on the quality of life of the children and their parents as highlighted through interviews with parents. The parents interviewed clearly indicated their full involvement in the care and services to be given to their child. While they are generally satisfied with the care and services provided, they voiced concerns on the issue of variability of rehabilitation services. Some parents expressed a wish to see support, respite, information and financial aid services enhanced. Most of them still remain hopeful that a treatment will contribute even more to the positive evolution of their child's condition and quality of life. RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature on this topic identified ten studies, which helped assess the therapeutic value of HBO treatment on children with cerebral palsy: two (2) randomized clinical trials (RCT), the methodology of which was found to be of adequate quality (average to high); and eight (8) studies, the methodology of which was found to be of poor quality due to their many limitations: two (2) RCTs, one (1) pre-post comparative study (PPCS), and five (5) pre-post non-comparative studies (PPNCS). Three (3) health technology assessments on HBO treatment on children with cerebral palsy were published, but none of them has reported on its effectiveness. None of the clinical practice guidelines identified recognized cerebral palsy as an indication to the use of HBO treatment. THERAPEUTIC VALUE APPRECIATION: After the Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé (AETMIS) published a report in 2007 on HBO treatment of cerebral palsy, six (6) studies were published. In the light of the assessment by the INESSS and experts consulted, the new data are limited in scope and fail to shed further light on HBO effectiveness and innocuity. The scientific data were compiled from studies that, in most cases, have many limitations. The profiles of the subjects under study and the HBO (or HBA) protocols used are very diverse, thus making studies difficult to compare. There are multiple questions and concerns with regard to the studies published: pertinence of control groups or of simulated (sham) treatment used in RCTs; limits of study plans; and limited adjustment for main confounding variables. For their part, the parents consulted find the treatment to have positive effects on their child, in particular on the cognitive level; these effects were assessed to a lesser degree in the studies published, which focused more on gross motor skills. While only a few undesirable effects associated with HBO and HBA treatment are reported in the studies or by the stakeholders and user parents consulted, concerns persist among the regulatory agencies and health professionals consulted (including hyperbaric physicians). Not a single study reported data on the quality of life of children despite the importance of this factor in the assessment of HBO treatment on children with cerebral palsy. Consequently, demonstration of the therapeutic value has failed to be established on the basis of the data available. RECOMMENDATION OF THE INESSS In the light of the scientific, contextual and experiential data gathered and given the lack of evidence of any therapeutic value, the INESSS considers that adding HBO or HBA to the range of public services to treat children with cerebral palsy is not a fair and reasonable option.

Valeur thérapeutique de l'oxygénothérapie hyperbare chez les enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale

MANDAT: L'Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) a reçu du ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) le mandat d'évaluer la valeur thérapeutique de l'oxygénothérapie hyperbare (OHB) chez les enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale, dans le but de soutenir une décision quant à un possible ajout à la gamme de services publics. DÉMARCHE D'ÉVALUATION: Une revue systématique de la littérature a été réalisée pour repérer les données probantes en vue d'évaluer l'efficacité et l'innocuité de l'OHB ainsi que ses effets sur la qualité de vie des enfants avec une paralysie cérébrale et de leurs parents. Des métaanalyses ont été réalisées sur certains résultats d'intérêt lorsque les données scientifiques le permettaient. Des données contextuelles et expérientielles issues de la consultation d'experts (cliniciens et chercheurs) et de parties prenantes (représentants d'un regroupement de parents, d'une association soutenant les personnes atteintes et leurs proches, de centres et de cliniques hyperbares, de cen

MANDATE: The Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) was mandated by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) to assess the therapeutic value of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on children with cerebral palsy for the purpose of supporting a decision with respect to possibly adding this form of therapy to the range of public services. assessment process: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify evidence-based findings relevant to the evaluation of the efficacy and innocuity of HBO and its impact on the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy and their parents. Meta-analyses were performed on outcomes of interest when the scientific data so permitted. Contextual and experiential data gathered through consultations with experts (clinicians and scientists) and stakeholders (representatives of a group of parents, an association supporting people with cerebral palsy and their relatives, hyperbaric centers and clinics, physical rehabilitation centers) were presented. Information was gathered from parents of children and young adults with cerebral palsy through the conduct of questionnaires and individual interviews with the aim of understanding their perspective and views. CEREBRAL PALSY AND HEALTH NEEDS: Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability and developmental delay in children. While the global prevalence is estimated at 2.11 per 1,000 live births, that of the Canadian population has not yet been defined. Cerebral palsy is a group of developmental disorders affecting movement and posture and responsible for activity limitation. These disorders are caused by non-progressive neurological dysfunctions, which occurred during the baby's brain development during pregnancy, at birth or in the newborn's first weeks of life. Various disorders are associated with cerebral palsy: cognitive, speech, perception or behavioral impairment; sensorial dysfunctions; epilepsy; and secondary musculoskeletal and oral-motor function problems. There exists no curative treatment for cerebral palsy. Clinical profiles and disorder severity levels differ from one person with cerebral palsy to another, thus making diagnostic assessments more complex. Care management of children with clinical palsy is provided by interdisciplinary clinical teams (medical and physical rehabilitation) in partnership with the parents. It aims at improving the child's muscular function, articular mobility and oral expression capacity and at making orthopedic corrections (correction of malformation and malalignment). Cerebral palsy has profound effects on the quality of life of the children and their parents as highlighted through interviews with parents. The parents interviewed clearly indicated their full involvement in the care and services to be given to their child. While they are generally satisfied with the care and services provided, they voiced concerns on the issue of variability of rehabilitation services. Some parents expressed a wish to see support, respite, information and financial aid services enhanced. Most of them still remain hopeful that a treatment will contribute even more to the positive evolution of their child's condition and quality of life. HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is a technology in which pure oxygen or a mixture of gas with greater oxygen is administered to one or many persons inside a pressurized chamber (the pressure is greater than standard atmospheric pressure - one (1) atmosphere absolute [ATA]). Health Canada now recognizes the effectiveness of HBO in the treatment of 14 types of disorders, but cerebral palsy is not one of them. Under the Quebec health system, as for the vast majority of comparable health systems, HBO treatment for cerebral palsy is not recognized and, therefore, cannot be prescribed. The two health centers in Quebec equipped with hard-shell hyperbaric chambers can only use them to treat patients who meet indications approved in Canada. Context of use in Quebec: In Quebec, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on children with cerebral palsy goes back to the 1990s. Over the years, many parents have turned to HBO treatment. A few private clinics offer this type of treatment for children with cerebral palsy, and private enterprises rent or sell portable soft-shell chambers. In general, soft-shell chambers are used at home without an additional source of oxygen; the ambient air pressure is slightly superior to atmospheric pressure (generally 1.3 ATA). The acronym used for this type of treatment is HBA, for hyperbaric air, rather than HBO. While health professionals are divided in their opinions regarding the use of HBO or HBA treatments for cerebral palsy, the parents interviewed who use either treatment expressed satisfaction with perceived effects on their children. While hard-shell hyperbaric chambers recognized by Health Canada are considered safe to use provided that all necessary safety precautions are well respected, this is not the case for soft-shell hyperbaric chambers, which are not recognized by Health Canada. RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature on this topic identified ten studies, which helped assess the therapeutic value of HBO treatment on children with cerebral palsy: two (2) randomized clinical trials (RCT), the methodology of which was found to be of adequate quality (average to high); and eight (8) studies, the methodology of which was found to be of poor quality due to their many limitations: two (2) RCTs, one (1) pre-post comparative study (PPCS), and five (5) pre-post non-comparative studies (PPNCS). Three (3) health technology assessments on HBO treatment on children with cerebral palsy were published, but none of them has reported on its effectiveness. None of the clinical practice guidelines identified recognized cerebral palsy as an indication to the use of HBO treatment. Efficacy: Of all seven (7) outcomes of interest identified in the studies, gross motor skills were measured the most. The other outcomes of interest identified are the child's autonomy to perform tasks of daily living, ability to communicate and the child's cognitive processes, social skills, quality of sleep, fine motor skills and spasticity (muscle tone). The scientific data available show no difference between HBO and HBA therapy in terms of efficacy in improving gross motor skills and autonomy, and no impact from an increase in the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) on these outcomes of interest. Furthermore, given the limitations of the very few scientific data available, it is not possible to recognize the efficacy of the treatment with regard to the other five outcomes of interest under review. Innocuity: Earaches or eardrum injuries (middle ear barotrauma) are the most common adverse events reported in four (4) studies; these studies have limitations related to how their authors assessed the innocuity and reported the results. Based on the data available, it is therefore not possible to rule on the innocuity of HBO and HBA treatment on children with cerebral palsy. Quality of life: None of the studies conducted reported data relating to the aspect of quality of life. Consequently, only data collected from consultations with some parents of a child with cerebral palsy and a few rehabilitation professionals brought to light the importance given by parents to perceived improvement, however minimal, in their child's condition. For many user parents, HBO treatment ­ especially when used at home (HBA) ­ is simple to perform and easily integrates into a family life that is complex and intense and requires managing multiple appointments for medical consultation and rehabilitation and providing almost constant support to their child. THERAPEUTIC VALUE APPRECIATION: After the Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé (AETMIS) published a report in 2007 on HBO treatment of cerebral palsy, six (6) studies were published. In the light of the assessment by the INESSS and experts consulted, the new data are limited in scope and fail to shed further light on HBO effectiveness and innocuity. The scientific data were compiled from studies that, in most cases, have many limitations. The profiles of the subjects under study and the HBO (or HBA) protocols used are very diverse, thus making studies difficult to compare. There are multiple questions and concerns with regard to the studies published: pertinence of control groups or of simulated (sham) treatment used in RCTs; limits of study plans; and limited adjustment for main confounding variables. For their part, the parents consulted find the treatment to have positive effects on their child, in particular on the cognitive level; these effects were assessed to a lesser degree in the studies published, which focused more on gross motor skills. While only a few undesirable effects associated with HBO and HBA treatment are reported in the studies or by the stakeholders and user parents consulted, concerns persist among the regulatory agencies and health professionals consulted (including hyperbaric physicians). Not a single study reported data on the quality of life of children despite the importance of this factor in the assessment of HBO treatment on children with cerebral palsy. Consequently, demonstration of the therapeutic value has failed to be established on the basis of the data available.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and corticosteroid therapy in military personnel with acute acoustic trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Acute acoustic trauma (AAT) is a sensorineural hearing impairment due to exposure to an intense impulse noise which causes cochlear hypoxia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) could provide an adequate oxygen supply. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of early treatment with combined HBO and corticosteroid therapy in patients with AAT compared with corticosteroid monotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on military personnel diagnosed with AAT between November 2012 and December 2017. Inclusion criteria for HBO therapy were hearing loss of 30 dB or greater on at least one, 25 dB or more on at least two, or 20 dB or more on three or more frequencies as compared with the contralateral ear. RESULTS: Absolute hearing improvements showed significant differences (independent t-test) between patients receiving HBO and the control group at 500 Hz (p=0.014), 3000 Hz (p=0.023), 4000 Hz (p=0.001) and 6000 Hz (p=0.01) and at the mean of all frequencies (p=0.002). Relative hearing improvements were significantly different (independent t-test) at 4000 Hz (p=0.046) and 6000 Hz (p=0.013) and at all frequencies combined (p=0.005). Furthermore, the percentage of patients with recovery to the functional level required by the Dutch Armed Forces (clinical outcome score) was higher in the HBO group. CONCLUSIONS: Early-stage combination therapy for patients with AAT was associated with better audiometric results at higher frequencies and better clinical outcome score.

The myopic shift associated with hyperbaric oxygen administration is reduced when using a mask delivery system compared to a hood - a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: A temporary myopic shift is a well-recognized complication of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). Oxidation of proteins in the crystalline lens is the likely cause. Direct exposure of the eye to hyperbaric oxygen may exacerbate the effect. Our aim was to measure the magnitude of the myopic shift over a course of HBOT when using two different methods of oxygen delivery. METHODS: We conducted a randomised trial of oxygen delivery via hood versus oronasal mask during a course of 20 and 30 HBOT sessions. Subjective refraction was performed at baseline and after 20 and 30 sessions. We repeated these measurements at four and 12 weeks after completion of the course in those available for assessment. RESULTS: We enrolled 120 patients (mean age 57.6 (SD 11.2) years; 81% male). The myopic shift was significantly greater after both 20 and 30 sessions in those patients using the hood. At 20 treatments: refractory change was -0.92 D with hood versus -0.52 D with mask, difference 0.40 D (95% CI 0.22 to 0.57, P < 0.0001); at 30 treatments: -1.25 D with hood versus -0.63 with mask, difference 0.62 D (95% CI 0.39 to 0.84, P < 0.0001). Recovery was slower and less complete in the hood group at both four and 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Myopic shift is common following HBOT and more pronounced using a hood system than an oronasal mask. Recovery may be slower and less complete using a hood. Our data support the use of an oronasal mask in an air environment when possible.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as an Elective Treatment.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapies may have grown out of emergencies such as those for Decompression Sickness (DCS), but more commonly in the U.S., hyperbaric oxygen is used for much more elective problems. Wound healing applications lead this trend. Nationally many more hyperbaric centers exist to treat elective problems adjunctively, and this is a concise review of these indications as well as pointing out where even elective centers might be able to broaden their practices.

Low-pressure fabric hyperbaric chambers.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is defined as an intervention in which an individual breathes near 100% oxygen while wholly enclosed inside a hyperbaric chamber at a pressure ≥1.4 atmosphere absolute (ATA). The Southern African Underwater and Hyperbaric Medical Association (SAUHMA)-approved indications commence at pressures ≥2 ATA. Low-pressure hyperbaric chambers, at pressures ≤1.4 ATA, are approved for acute mountain sickness only. Mild hyperbaric exposures with air deliver no more oxygen to the body than breathing oxygen by mask at sea level pressure. Exposure to treatment pressures <2.0 ATA while breathing air does not meet the SAUHMA definition of therapeutic hyperbaric oxygen therapy and does not achieve the minimum pressure and oxygen levels required for any SAUHMA-approved indication. All SAUHMA-approved indications require that the patient breathe near 100% oxygen while enclosed in a chamber pressurised to a minimum of 2 ATA. SAUHMA does not recommend the use of mild hyperbaric therapy for any medical purpose other than acute mountain sickness.

Operation of a hyperbaric oxygen therapy center in Korea: Report of our experience from a setting in its nascent stages.

Purpose: Hyperbaric medicine is nascent in Korea when compared to other developed countries, such as the United States and Japan. Our facility has been managed by physicians with certifications from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in diving and clinical diseases since October 2016. This study was conducted to share similar issues that are encountered during the establishment of a program in a new area through our experiences in the operation of a hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy center. Methods: In this retrospective observational study we collected data on HBO2 patients treated at our center between October 2016 and June 2018 after HBO2 was conducted by HBO2-certified physicians. We then compared demographic data of patients with data from January 2011 to September 2015 - before HBO2 operations were conducted by HBO2-certified physicians. Result: A total of 692 patients received 5,130 treatments. Twelve indicated diseases were treated using HBO2 therapy. Fifty-six critically ill patients with intubation received HBO2. Although two patients experienced seizure due to oxygen toxicity during the study period, certified physicians and inside attendant took immediate corrective action. Conclusion: After the establishment of the HBO2 center operated by physicians with certification, more patients, including critically ill patients, received HBO2 safely for various diseases. In order to improve the practice of hyperbaric medicine in Korea, the Korean Academy of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine (KAUHM), an advanced and well-organized academic society, should communicate often with HBO2 centers, with the aim to set Korean education programs at UHMS course levels and increase reimbursement for HBO2 therapy.

Aplicaciones médicas de las cámaras de oxigenación hiperbárica de nueva generación / Medical applications of new generation hyperbaric oxygenation chambers

El uso clínico de la terapia de oxigenación hiperbárica (TOHB) consiste en respirar oxígeno en una concentración cercana al 100% en una cámara presurizada al menos a 1,4 atmósferas absolutas (atm). TOHB actúa produciendo hiperoxia y especies reactivas del oxígeno que desencadenan mecanismos bioquímicos variados. Se presenta una revisión de todas las nuevas aplicaciones emergentes de TOHB en varias especialidades médicas debido a que alcanza beneficios en la cicatrización de heridas, enfermedades inflamatorias y con componente neurológico o isquémico. Las nuevas cámaras realizan el tratamiento a presiones más seguras y con la misma eficiencia demostrada por métodos matemáticos y bioquímicos. El Grupo BioBárica Clinical Research presenta la estadística de las indicaciones en 559 pacientes tratados con estas cámaras en algunos centros médicos y las especialidades médicas implicadas. El uso de TOHB a media presión está en emergencia y podría proveer a futuro evidencia de su efectividad en otras especialidades médicas. (AU)

The clinical use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) consists in breathing oxygen (O2) near to 100% in a pressurized chamber of at least at 1.4 absolute atmospheres (ATA). HBOT acts producing both hyperoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggers others biochemical events. The BioBarica Clinical Research Group is developing clinical evidence in diverse pathologies because of accessibility and safety of the new Revitalair hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Because of working at "mild pressure", HBOT performed by these chamber are safer demonstrated by mathematical and biochemical methods. The BioBarica Clinical Research Group presents the statistics of the indications in 559 patients treated with these cameras in some medical centers and the medical specialties involved. Their accessibility to the physicians would become mild pressure HBOT used more frequently proving its effectiveness in other clinical specialties. (AU)

Convulsive seizure and pulmonary edema during hyperbaric oxygen therapy:A case report.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is widely performed to prevent delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome. Although HBOT can generally be performed with safety, the appropriate management of HBOT still remains unestablished. A 31-year-old man was transferred to our facility to undergo HBOT in a multiplace chamber with a diagnosis of CO poisoning. The first HBOT session ended uneventfully. During the second HBOT session, the patient suddenly experienced convulsive seizures. The accompanying doctor administered intravenous propofol to stop the convulsion and terminated the HBOT. Soon after the convulsion, the patient developed frothy secretions through the endotracheal-tube with impaired oxygenation. Head computed tomography scan showed no abnormalities, suggesting the seizure was associated with complications of HBOT. A chest X-ray revealed bilateral pulmonary edema, and echocardiography revealed normal cardiac function, indicating that the pulmonary edema resulted from HBOT or neurogenic mechanism secondary to the seizure. The patient's respiratory status improved without recurrence of the seizure and no delayed neurological sequelae was seen afterwards. Here we report unexpected rare adverse events during HBOT. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute indications should be performed in multiplace chambers, with appropriate preparation and medical equipment. J. Med. Invest. 65:286-288, August, 2018.

Principales lugares de producción de las patologías que requieren recompresión en cámara hiperbárica / Main places of production of the pathologies that require recompression in hyperbaric chamber

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las principales patologías que requieren tratamiento en cámara hiperbárica son la enfermedad descompresiva y el embolismo arterial gaseoso. Ambas comparten la necesidad de cambios de la presión ambiental y del contenido gaseoso en el organismo. Además del buceo, existen otras situaciones que suponen cambios de presión y por tanto propician el riesgo de presentar lesiones que requieran recompresión. OBJETIVOS: Describir los principales lugares de producción de estas patologías y los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que las generan. Material y MÉTODO: Expedientes de accidentes de buceo recogidos en el Centro de Buceo de la Armada desde 1970 hasta 2017. RESULTADOS: Total 392 casos, 345 (88%) se producen en la mar, 36 (9,18%) en cámara hiperbárica, 6 (1,53%) en relación con submarinos y 4 (1,02%) en actividades hipobáricas. CONCLUSIONES: Cualquier situación que suponga un cambio de presión expone al sujeto a presentar una patología descompresiva y a necesitar un tratamiento hiperbárico. El lugar más frecuente es en la mar pero pruebas, en principio no lesivas, como un tratamiento hiperbárico, pueden predisponer a estas lesiones

INTRODUCTION: The main pathologies that require a recompression therapy are decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE), boths can be caused by pressure-related activites and certain amount of gas (dissolved or not) in the victim's blood. Besides diving other pressure-related activities put the person in risk of this pathologies. AIM: To investigate the main place of production of these pathologies and their physiological base. METHODS: we reviewed all charts of patients with DCS and AGE from 1970-2017 at Centro de Buceo de la Armada (Cartagena). RESULTS: There were 392 cases, 345 (88%) diving related, 36 (9,18%) hyperbaric chamber-related, 6 (1,53%) submarine activities related and 4 (1,02%) hypobaric activities-related. CONCLUSIONS: Diving injuries rates are the most important but any pressure-related activity can be risky even hyperbaric chamber activity, considered the safest pressure-related activity