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Hyperbaric Medicine in Pediatrics - reality of a Portuguese reference center
Catarina Freitas1, Luís Salazar2, Sílvia Duarte-Costa1
1Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos - Porto, Portugal.
Insights
Pediatric hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and effective, primarily for carbon monoxide poisoning and sudden hearing loss. This study highlights the benefits and need for wider pediatrician awareness of this crucial treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) offers therapeutic benefits for various conditions.
- Pediatric HBOT utilization data is limited, particularly in Portugal.
- Understanding referral patterns is crucial for optimizing resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the pediatric patient population referred for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- To identify common indications and outcomes of HBOT in children.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of HBOT in a pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, observational study of pediatric patients (2006-2021).
- Data collected from electronic medical records at a reference hyperbaric center in Northern Portugal.
- Analysis of referral reasons, treatment context, symptoms, and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- 134 pediatric patients were included.
- Most frequent referrals: carbon monoxide poisoning (n=59) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (n=41).
- Urgent treatment initiated in 56% of cases; favorable outcomes with minimal adverse events (oxygen toxicity, barotrauma).
Conclusions:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading indication for pediatric HBOT.
- HBOT demonstrates a favorable safety profile in children.
- Increased pediatrician awareness of HBOT benefits is essential for broader implementation.
Objective:
To identify and characterize the population of Pediatric patients referred to our hyperbaric oxygen therapy center.
Methods:
Retrospective and observational study, including pediatric patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, from 2006 to 2021, at the hyperbaric medicine reference center in the north of Portugal. Variables of interest were extracted from electronic medical records.
Results:
Our study included 134 patients. The most frequent reasons for referral were carbon monoxide poisoning (n=59) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (n=41). In 75 cases (56%), treatment was initiated in an urgent context. Symptom presentation at Emergency Department varied among patients, the most frequent being headache and nausea/vomiting. Concerning carbon monoxide poisoning, the most common sources were water heater, fireplace/brazier, and boiler. Regarding adverse effects, it was identified one case of intoxication by oxygen and four cases of middle ear barotrauma.
Conclusions:
The most frequent cause for referral was carbon monoxide poisoning. All patients evolved favorably, with few side effects being reported, emphasizing the safety of this therapy. While most pediatricians may not be aware of the potential benefits arising with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is of upmost importance to promote them, so that this technique is increasingly implemented.
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