Abstract:
Some patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) might require repetitive hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) while receiving critical care. In such cases, the presence of a hyperbaric chamber located inside or near an ICU is preferable; however, this set-up is not always possible. In Padua, the "Associazione Tecnici IPerbarici" hyperbaric centre is a stand-alone facility outside of a hospital. Despite this, selected ICU patients receive HBOT at this facility. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from 2003 to 2013 of 75 consecutive, critically-ill patients, 28 of whom were initially intubated and mechanically ventilated whilst undergoing HBOT. We evaluated the methods adopted in Padua to guarantee the safety and continuity of care during transfer for and during HBOT in this specially-equipped multiplace chamber. The 75 patients collectively received 315 HBOT sessions, 192 of which were with the patients intubated and mechanically ventilated. The diagnoses ranged from necrotizing fasciitis to post-surgical sepsis and intracranial abscess. We obtained full recovery for 73 patients. Two deaths were recorded not in close time relation to HBOT. With meticulous monitoring, efficient transport and well-trained personnel, the risks associated with transportation and HBOT can be acceptable for the referring physician.
Bosco, Garetto, Rubini, Paoli, Dalvi, Mangar, Camporesi, , (2016). Safety of transport and hyperbaric oxygen treatment in critically-ill patients from Padua hospitals into a centrally-located, stand-alone hyperbaric facility. Diving and hyperbaric medicine, 2016 Sep;46(3):155-159. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27723016