Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients undergoing prolonged exposure to hyperbaric oxygen.

Objectives: To evaluate the condition of oxidative stress in patients undergoing prolonged exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and the possible modifications of the antioxidant defense systems in the absence of antioxidant supplementation.

Design And Methods: Twelve patients exposed to 15 HBO treatments for pathological conditions related to hypoxia were included in the study. Oxidative stress indices as well as plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant levels were measured in blood samples collected both at the 1st and 15th HBO session.