Hyperbaric Oxygen in the Treatment of XXXX : A case series and literature review.

@entity1 @entity6 @entity730 @entity177 @entity13375 @entity454
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: @entity730 ( @entity730 ) or @entity13375 is most commonly seen in @entity454 and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several small case series have suggested a role for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of this condition. The aim of this study was to determine whether HBOT is effective in @entity13375 lesions and to determine if there are any @entity1 factors which can predict wound healing and @entity1 survival. METHODS: We identified by retrospective review all cases of @entity730 referred to our institution for treatment with HBOT. We documented the clinical and biochemical parameters of this @entity1 population, the size and distribution of the lesions as well as wound outcomes and @entity1 survival following treatment. RESULTS: A total 46 @entity1 were identified with @entity730 associated with @entity177 . Of the 46 @entity1 , only 34 received a full course of HBOT. The balance were deemed unsuitable for treatment or were unable to tolerate treatment and were palliated. Of the 34 @entity1 that received a full course of HBOT, 58% showed improvement in their wound scores, with more than half of these @entity1 having complete healing of their wounds. The balance did not benefit from the therapy and had a very poor prognosis with most dying within 12 months of referral. Those that benefited from HBOT survived on average for more than 3 years. The only factor significantly associated with improved wound healing and survival was @entity6 . CONCLUSION: In an area where clinical trials are very difficult to perform, this retrospective analysis suggests a role for HBOT in the treatment of @entity730 with more than half of the treated @entity1 benefiting and surviving for on average more than 3 years.
