Hyperbaric oxygen for refractory osteomyelitis.

Refractory osteomyelitis is defined as a chronic osteomyelitis that persists or recurs after appropriate interventions have been performed or where acute osteomyelitis has not responded to accepted management techniques [1]. To date, no randomized clinical trials examining the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy on refractory osteomyelitis exist, and the number of new osteomyelitis clinical trials conducted over the past decade has been limited. However, based on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature, the addition of HBO2 therapy to routine surgical and antibiotic treatment of previously refractory osteomyelitis appears to be both safe and ultimately improves infection resolution rates.

Hyperbaric oxygen for mTBI-associated PCS and PTSD: Pooled analysis of results from Department of Defense and other published studies.

Background: Some clinical trials report improvement in persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS) with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but questions remain regarding the utility of HBO2 for PCS, the effects of HBO2 on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the influences of sham control exposures.

Methods: A systematic review and pooled analysis was conducted to summarize available evidence for HBO2 in mTBI-associated PCS ± PTSD. Data aggregated from four Department of Defense (DoD) studies with participant-level data (n=254) were grouped into pooled HBO2 and sham intervention groups.

Extended follow-up in a randomized trial of hyperbaric oxygen for persistent post-concussive symptoms.

To date, several Department of Defense (DoD) and civilian studies have evaluated hyperbaric oxygen for mild forms of traumatic brain injury. Prior to the DoD-sponsored "Brain Injury and Mechanisms of Action of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) (BIMA)" trial, none included post-intervention follow-up beyond three to six months. Post-hoc attempts at long-term follow-up were complicated by low participation and potential self-selection bias.

Hyperbaric oxygen for persistent post-concussive symptoms: long-term follow-up.

We report results of an observational cohort study investigating long-term follow-up in participants from two completed United States military trials of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) for persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS), as well as challenges in recruitment and retention in active-duty military personnel. After informed consent, participants completed an electronic survey assessing PCS, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and quality of life. Of 132 HBO₂ study participants, 40 (30%) completed the survey (42 could not be contacted; 50 were lost to follow-up or declined).

Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Feasibility Trial of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Service Members With Postconcussion Syndrome: Cognitive and Psychomotor Outcomes 1 Week Postintervention.

Background Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and residual postconcussion syndrome (PCS) are common among combatants of the recent military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is a proposed treatment but has not been rigorously studied for this condition. Objectives In a secondary analysis, examine for possible effects on psychomotor (balance and fine motor) and cognitive performance 1 week after an HBO2 intervention in service members with PCS after mTBI.

Hyperbaric oxygen for blast-related postconcussion syndrome: three-month outcomes.

Objective: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and postconcussion syndrome (PCS) are common among military combatants. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2 ) is a proposed treatment for these conditions, but it has not been rigorously studied. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of HBO2 by 3 months post compression at 2 commonly employed dosing levels to treat PCS; whether specific subgroups may have benefited; and if no overall effect was found, whether benefit is masked by other conditions.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on persistent postconcussion symptoms.

Background: The high incidence of persistent postconcussion symptoms in service members with combat-related mild traumatic brain injury has prompted research in the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) for management.

Objective: The effects of HBO2 on persistent postconcussion symptoms in 60 military service members with at least 1 combat-related mild traumatic brain injury were examined in a single-center, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, prospective trial at the Naval Medicine Operational Training Center at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Methods: Over a 10-week period, subjects received a series of 40, once-daily, hyperbaric chamber compressions at 2.