Effect of hyperbaric exposure on pulmonary functions in hyperbaric chamber inside attendants

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves exposure to increased atmospheric pressure.
• Personnel working inside hyperbaric chambers, known as hyperbaric chamber inside attendants (HCIAs), may experience physiological changes.
• Understanding the impact of hyperbaric environments on respiratory function is crucial for occupational health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pulmonary function test results of HCIAs before and after working inside a hyperbaric chamber.
• To assess potential respiratory effects of acute exposure to hyperbaric conditions.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-eight healthcare personnel working as HCIAs were evaluated.
• Pulmonary function tests, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75), and peak expiratory flow (PEF), were measured before and after hyperbaric exposure.
• Participants were first-time users of the pressure chamber.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease was observed in mean FVC (3.4%) and mean FEV1 (3.9%) after hyperbaric exposure (p<0.05).
• No statistically significant differences were found in the FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, or FEF25-75 between pre- and post-exposure measurements.
• While decreases in FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75, and PEF were noted, their clinical significance remains undetermined.

Conclusions:

• Acute exposure to hyperbaric conditions may lead to minor, statistically significant reductions in FVC and FEV1 among HCIAs.
• The observed changes in pulmonary function tests did not reach clinical significance.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term respiratory effects and clinical implications for individuals working in hyperbaric environments.