Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic ulcers in systemic sclerosis - case series.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Vascular Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently causes painful, difficult-to-heal digital and leg ulcers.
• Existing treatments for SSc ulcers are often limited in efficacy.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a potential adjunctive treatment for chronic wounds due to their hypoxic nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of HBOT as an adjunctive therapy for ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of six systemic sclerosis patients with digital or leg ulcers.
• Evaluation of patient demographics, ulcer characteristics, and treatment details.
• Assessment of outcomes following the application of HBOT.

Main Results:

• Four out of six patients experienced complete ulcer healing after HBOT.
• Two patients achieved near-complete healing of their ulcers.
• No amputations were required for any of the patients in the study.

Conclusions:

• Adjunctive HBOT may be a beneficial treatment for systemic sclerosis-related ulcers.
• This case series represents the largest patient population studied for HBOT in SSc ulcers to date.
• HBOT offers a potential therapeutic option for nonhealing SSc wounds.