Hyperbaric oxygen therapy of cerebral ischemia

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy of cerebral ischemia has been evaluated in a number of human and animal studies; however, there is presently no consensus on its efficacy.

We present a review of animal and human studies on HBO therapy of cerebral ischemia as well as present potential mechanisms of action of HBO.

Animal studies of HBO have shown promise by reducing infarct size and improving neurologic outcome. HBO has also been shown to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis after cerebral ischemia. Early reports in humans also suggested benefit in stroke patients treated with HBO. Recent randomized, controlled human studies, however, have not shown benefit, although all were limited by small sample size. Important differences between animal and human studies suggest HBO might be more effective in stroke within the first few hours and at a pressure of 2-3 ATA.

The clinical usefulness of HBO in the treatment of cerebral ischemia is not yet certain. Attention to emerging pathophysiologic data should be taken into consideration in design of any future clinical trials of HBO in acute ischemic stroke.