Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen in the Treatment of Thermal Burns

A significant and consistently positive body of evidence from animal and human studies of thermal injury supports the use of hyperbaric oxygen as a means of preventing dermal ischemia, reducing edema, modulating the zone of stasis, preventing partial- to full-thickness conversion, preserving cellular metabolism, dampening inflammation, preventing infection, and promoting healing. The overwhelming majority of clinical reports have shown reduced mortality, length of hospital stays, number of surgeries, and cost of care. Hyperbaric oxygen has been demonstrated to be safe in the hands of those thoroughly trained in rendering this therapy in the critical care setting and with appropriate monitoring precautions. Careful patient selection is mandatory.