Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for infants: retrospective analysis of 54 patients treated in two tertiary care centres

Kubra Ozgok Kangal1,2, Bengusu Mirasoglu3

  • 1Department of Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Faculty of Medicine, Gulhane Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

PubMed

Insights

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is safe and effective for infants, even preterm. This study analyzed outcomes and challenges in pediatric patients receiving HBOT, finding positive results with no reported complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Hyperbaric Medicine
  • Critical Care

Background:

  • Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is a medical therapy involving exposure to 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure.
  • Limited data exists on HBOT outcomes and challenges in the pediatric population, particularly in infants.
  • Infants represent a rare patient group for HBOT, necessitating further investigation into its safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the outcomes of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) in infants (≤12 months old).
  • To describe any difficulties or complications encountered during HBOT in this specific patient population.
  • To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of HBOT for treating various conditions in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 54 infants (≤12 months) who underwent HBOT across two institutions.
  • Data extraction included demographics, clinical presentation, HBOT indications, chamber type, oxygen delivery, treatment count, outcomes, and complications.
  • Analysis focused on identifying trends and safety profiles in infant HBOT.

Main Results:

  • The study included 54 infants with a median age of 3.5 months.
  • Acute carbon monoxide intoxication was the primary indication for HBOT (n=32).
  • Most patients (74%) experienced full resolution of acute signs with no reported HBOT-related complications; only one infant required mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for infants.
  • The findings support considering HBOT for indicated conditions in infants, including the preterm age group.
  • Further research is warranted to expand the understanding of HBOT applications in pediatric care.
Abstract

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