Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of neonates: a case series

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) administers oxygen under high pressure, mainly for decompression illness, carbon monoxide intoxication, wound healing, infections, and acute peripheral arterial ischaemia. There has been limited use in newborn infants. This case series aims to highlight the potential role of HBOT in management of rare and challenging conditions encountered in the neonatal period. Although HBOT is widely available, its application in newborns remains limited and not well established. We present three neonatal cases: acute peripheral ischaemia; vascular compromise due to thrombosis and compartment syndrome; and a non-healing surgical wound following omphalocele repair. We aim to emphasise the potential clinical benefit and discuss the safety profile of HBOT in select life or limb threatening neonatal pathologies. These cases demonstrate that HBOT, when use as an adjunctive therapy, may contribute to tissue salvage and overall improved outcomes in critically ill neonates. Our intention is to raise awareness and contribute to the limited literature regarding neonatal HBOT, particularly in contexts where usual treatment options are insufficient.