[Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy for chronic occlusive arterial diseases of the extremities]

Therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in 50 patients with chronic occlusive arterial diseases were studied with determination of the transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), plasma lipid peroxide level, and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) level. Necrosis or ulceration was present in 30 patients, rest pain without tissue loss in 6, infection and necrosis in 2, infection of the amputated stump in 2, delayed healing of the amputated stump wound in 8, and delayed union of bone fractures in 2. HBOs were carried out in 2-3 absolute atmospheres for 60 min for 3-40 times (mean, 12.7 times). In combination with HBO, sympathetic denervation was performed in 41 patients, and PGE1 infusions were administered in 46. Of patients with necrosis or ulceration, 16 were healed, 13 were improved, and one was unchanged. Of patients with rest pain, 5 had relief and one was unchanged. All patients with infection were cured. Of patients with delayed healing of amputation wounds, 7 were healed and one required reamputation. All patients with bone fractures obtained bone union. The TcPO2 markedly increased during HBO and remained at a high level for some time after HBO. The lipid peroxide and SOD levels were not changed significantly by HBO.