Related Experiment Videos
Angiogenesis in necrotic ulcers treated with hyperbaric oxygen.
1Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (Sepulveda), UCLA San Fernando Valley Program.
Ostomy/Wound Management
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (THOT) significantly enhances healing for necrotic wounds by promoting blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). This treatment led to 90% wound healing, compared to 22% with standard care.
Area of Science:
- Wound healing
- Vascular biology
- Hyperbaric medicine
Background:
- Necrotic and gangrenous wounds suffer from poor blood supply and can worsen with oxygen exposure at incorrect pressures.
- Reperfusion injury and oxygen toxicity are significant concerns in managing these complex wounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical hyperbaric oxygen (THOT) in promoting angiogenesis and healing of necrotic/gangrenous wounds.
- To compare THOT with standard wound care (SWC) in a prospective randomized study.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized study involving 40 inpatients with 79 ulcers over 12 months.
- Participants were randomized to receive either THOT (1.004-1.013 atmospheres) or SWC.
- Ulcer size and capillary density (per high power field) were measured to assess healing and angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher healing rate was observed in the THOT group (90%) compared to the SWC group (22%).
- Ulcer size at 4 weeks was significantly smaller in the THOT group than in the SWC group (P < 0.0001).
- Capillary density was significantly increased in THOT-treated wounds compared to SWC wounds (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- THOT is effective in stimulating angiogenesis, leading to enhanced healing of necrotic and gangrenous wounds.
- The study confirms the therapeutic benefit of localized hyperbaric oxygen for challenging wound types.