Quality of life--the effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on radiation injury.

The purpose of the present study was to assess changes in health-related quality of life (HRQL) among patients with radiation injury one year after hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2 therapy). HBO2 therapy was given once daily, five times a week in monoplace hyperbaric chambers for at least 19 days. HRQL was measured by SF-36 (Short Form with 36 questions). The study population was 101 patients, and among these 53.5% had radiation injury to the head and neck region, 35.6% to the intestine and 10.9% to the bladder. Testing for differences before and one year after HBO2 therapy showed significant improvement for the following SF-36 scales: Physical Function an increase of 4.54 (p = 0.01). Role Performance an increase of 8.79 (p = 0.04). Vitality an increase of 6.88 (p = 0.001). Social Function an increase of 8.04 (p = 0.002). Time since radiation at HBO2 therapy was 1-39 years. A total of 82% received radiation more than one year ago, and 33% more than seven years ago. Changes in physical and mental sum scores were not associated with time since radiation. Patients below the age of 70 seemed to have the best effect of HBO2 therapy measured by HRQL.