Rx Pad

Infection, Immunity, and the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Thermal Burns

A significant and consistently positive body of evidence from animal and human studies of thermal injury supports the use of hyperbaric oxygen as a means of preventing dermal ischemia, reducing edema, modulating the zone of stasis, preventing partial- to full-thickness conversion, preserving cellular metabolism, dampening inflammation, preventing infection, and promoting healing. The overwhelming majority of clinical reports have shown reduced mortality, length of hospital stays, number of surgeries, and cost of care. Hyperbaric oxygen has been demonstrated to be safe in the hands of those thoroughly trained in rendering this therapy in the critical care setting and with appropriate monitoring precautions. Careful patient selection is mandatory.

General Mechanisms of Action of Oxygen in Infections:

With disease, oxygen delivery is compromised. The inflammatory response following infection is characterized by capillary leak and vasogenic edema that increases the diffusion distance between the vascular supply of dissolved and bound oxygen and adjacent tissues. Tissue edema also leads to variable degrees of tamponade and venous thrombosis, further compromising perfusion and oxygen delivery. Infection leads to microcirculatory shunting (reducing oxygen extraction) and mitochondrial uncoupling.