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Complications and side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
C Plafki1, P Peters, M Almeling
1Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Marien-Krankenhaus, Duesseldorf, Germany.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|February 24, 2000
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is generally safe when guidelines are followed, with ear discomfort being the most common issue. Serious complications are rare, but careful patient screening is essential.
Area of Science:
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Clinical Safety
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is used clinically despite safety concerns.
- Potential complications include barotrauma, oxygen toxicity, and anxiety.
- Ocular effects like myopia and cataract growth are also noted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the medical safety of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy.
- To review complications and side effects in patients undergoing HBO treatment.
- To assess the safety profile of HBO therapy in a multiplace chamber setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 782 patients and 11,376 HBO therapy sessions.
- Treatment pressures at 240 or 250 kPa (114 or 15 msw).
- Prospective data collection using a specialized database.
Main Results:
- Over 17% of patients experienced ear pain due to pressure equalization issues.
- Barotraumatic lesions confirmed in 3.8% of patients via otological examination.
- Four patients experienced central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity seizures; no recurrences or sequelae observed.
Conclusions:
- HBO therapy requires careful pre-examination and monitoring.
- When safety guidelines are adhered to, HBO therapy has an acceptable complication rate.
- Middle ear pressure equalization problems are the most frequent complication; serious adverse events are infrequent.
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