Undersea Hyperbar M
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Undersea Hyperbar M · Mar 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialHyperbaric oxygen for post-concussive symptoms in United States military service members: a randomized clinical trial.
In prior military randomized trials, participants with persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) reported improvement regardless of receiving hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) or sham intervention. This study's objectives were to identify outcomes for future efficacy trials and describe changes by intervention. ⋯ By 13 weeks, HBO₂ improved post-concussive and PTSD symptoms, cognitive processing speed, sleep quality, and balance function, most dramatically in those with PTSD. Changes did not persist beyond six months. Several outcomes appeared sensitive to change; additional studies are warranted.
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One of carbon monoxide's several mechanisms of toxicity is binding with circulating hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, resulting in a functional anemia. While patients with carbon monoxide poisoning are often said to be "cherry-red," such discoloration is rarely seen. Carboxyhemoglobin levels cannot be measured with conventional pulse oximetry, can be approximated with pulse CO-oximetry, and are most accurately measured with a laboratory CO-oximeter. ⋯ A level over 9% is almost always due to exogenous carbon monoxide exposure, even among smokers. Conversely, a low level does not exclude significant exposure under certain circumstances. As carboxyhemoglobin levels of poisoned patients do not correlate with symptoms or outcome, their greatest utility is a marker of exposure.
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Undersea Hyperbar M · Nov 2017
Observational StudyHyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjuvant to source control in necrotizing soft tissue infections.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are rare but potentially lethal disorders, and adequate management is time- and resource-demanding. This study aims to assess whether variations in the treatment modalities - surgery, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) therapy and negative pressure wound therapy - had an impact on the length to definitive source control in NSTI patients who underwent HBO₂. ⋯ More intensive HBO₂ protocols with earlier and more frequent sessions shorten the time until definitive source control in necrotizing soft tissue infections, potentially lowering the impact of systemic effects of infection and complications associated with organ dysfunction.
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Undersea Hyperbar M · Jul 2017
Case ReportsDelayed treatment of frostbite with hyperbaric oxygen: a report of two cases.
Frostbite is an injury caused by the freezing of tissue, causing varied levels of tissue damage and necrosis. Case reports have shown a positive effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) in such injuries, in acute cases as well as delayed (up to 21 days) presentation with complications. In this case report we present the course of hyperbaric treatment of two patients (a brother and sister, age 58 and 62) who sustained frostbite injuries to both feet 28 days earlier while hiking in the Himalayas. ⋯ During hyperbaric oxygen therapy 30 sessions) demarcation progressed quickly, resulting in early surgical amputation. Both patients experienced no side effects of HBO₂ treatment. Given that both patients showed a quick progress and demarcation of their wounds, with remarkable tissue preservation in the female patient, we suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered in treating frostbite injuries, in acute as well as delayed cases, even four weeks after initial injury.
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Undersea Hyperbar M · May 2017
Case ReportsSwimming-induced pulmonary edema in a tropical climate: a case report.
Swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) occurs during strenuous physical exertion in cold water and has been reported in scuba divers, free-diving competitors, combat swimmers, and triathletes. We describe a case of SIPE in a combat swimmer in warm tropical waters. ⋯ Development of SIPE in tropical waters suggests that other risk factors may be predominant. There should be a high index of suspicion when any strenuous in-water activity is conducted so that timely treatment may be instituted.