Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2T) is the primary or adjunctive treatment for a limited number of clinical conditions, off-label use is increasing as a result of public demand. Because of unusual research problems and limited regulatory mechanisms to ensure patient safety, physicians question whether it is ethical to provide HBO2T for an unproven indication. An ethical approach to the off-label use of HBO2T is proposed. This approach requires combining a physician's clinical judgment with guidelines written by recognized organizations in hyperbaric medicine and patient informed consent. Scientific guidelines can identify which off-label uses of HBO2T are not therapeutic, which are potentially therapeutic, and to what degree. Registries or a central repository for the systematic collection of data can promote research. Ethical guidelines should require patient informed consent for approved indications, for potentially therapeutic off-label indications, and for registry or research participation. The creation of a consortium of hyperbaric clinics may improve the validity of information disseminated to the general public and promote the ethical practice of HBO2T.
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Burns Trauma
January 2025
Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care-Research Centre, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia.
Septic shock is a significant challenge in the management of patients with burns and traumatic injuries when complicated by infection, necessitating prompt and effective haemodynamic support. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current strategies for vasopressor and fluid management in septic shock, with the aim to optimize patient outcomes. With regard to vasopressor management, we elaborate on the pharmacologic profiles and clinical applications of catecholamines, vasopressin derivatives, angiotensin II, and other vasoactive agents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Chin Med Assoc
January 2025
School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Background: Acute carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) has been a common cause of emergency hospital visits over the past decade. Besides the immediate symptoms of poisoning, carbon monoxide exposure can cause various long-term complications, especially delayed neurological sequelae (DNS) and myocardial injury (MI).
Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 502 patients with COP, including complete collection data, from the Taiwan National Poison Control Center between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015.
J Surg Case Rep
January 2025
Department of Medical Affairs, Aroa Biosurgery Limited, 64 Richard Pearse Drive, Auckland 2022, New Zealand.
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a subtype of pemphigus and life-altering disorder that results in the formation of intraepithelial blisters in mucosa and skin. Though the etiology is not well understood, it is an autoimmune disorder resulting in acantholytic blisters due to auto-antibodies targeting proteins of keratinocyte adhesion. Rapid diagnosis and restoration of the epidermal layer is imperative for patients with PV as widespread epidermal damage can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFKaohsiung J Med Sci
January 2025
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
BMC Med Genomics
January 2025
Department of Anaesthesiology, Centre of Head and Orthopedics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Inge Lehmanns Vej 6, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark.
Background: Sepsis and shock are common complications of necrotising soft tissue infections (NSTI). Sepsis encompasses different endotypes that are associated with specific immune responses. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment activates the cells oxygen sensing mechanisms that are interlinked with inflammatory pathways.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!