Physiologic and biochemical monitoring during hyperbaric oxygenation: a review

Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO2) is an important treatment given to various groups of patients exposed to pathologic situations (i.e., carbon monoxide exposure). Since many hyperbaric patients are critically ill and are being treated for life-threatening disorders, it is necessary to monitor various physiologic and biochemical parameters. This is a review of 193 publications covering a wide range of monitored parameters representing metabolic, hemodynamic, respiratory, electrical, and biochemical activities. The significance of monitoring the physiologic, medical, and specific oxygen toxicity effects during HBO2 exposure (MHBO2) is described and emphasized. Further development of new monitoring devices and technologies will enable the improvement of patient management during HBO2 treatment given under various medical conditions. This review also presents new ideas about possible future monitoring of brain function under HBO2 conditions in experimental animals as well as under clinical conditions.