Oxygen high pressure therapy

The resurgent interest in high pressure oxygen therapy in the United States can be traced in part to the early publications of these three European centers and in part to a visit made to this country by Drs. Boerema and Brummelkamp of Amsterdam. Interest in hyperbaric oxygenation increased at an astounding rate. Even Congress was informed and appealed to for funds (Hll). 

In July 1962 a Workshop on Oxygen Administration under Increased Atmospheric Pressure was held in Washington, D.C., under the auspices of the National Research Coimcil (Al). There have been numerous s3on-posia pertaining to high pressure oxygen therapy on local, regional, national, and international levels. Industries that never before manufactured pressure chambers suddenly became involved in this venture some have dropped... 

Is high pressure oxygen therapy a fad that will soon fade Is there a sound basis for current enthusiasm What are the prospects for its future What are the present problems and limitations associated with this new form of therapy What areas require more intensive investigation if the full therapeutic potentialities of hyperbaric oxygenation are to be realized It is the purpose of this review to discuss various aspects of this subject in an attempt to answer many of these questions. 

Sanger, C., High pressure oxygen and radiation therapy. Am. J. Roentgenol. Radium Therapy Nucl. Med. 81, 498-503 (1959). 

Termination of exposure by physical removal of the casualty or use of a mask is a vital first measure. Rest is important as any physical exertion shortens the latent period and increases the severity of symptoms. The airways need to be kept clear and the circulation checked for hypotension. Bronchospasm is treated with bron-chodilators. Positive airway pressure may be required. Oxygen therapy is indicated to treat hypoxia and intubation may also be required, hi the absence of a bacterial infection, the toxic effects of low to moderate exposures to phosgene wiU be relatively short-lived with proper respiratory monitoring in place. Exposure to moderate to high concentrations of phosgene may result in acute respiratory distress and death. 

Hyperbaric chambers in medical facilities for performing certain procedures operate under elevated atmospheric pressure. They are another example of high pressure environments. Some hyperbaric chambers have solid enclosures and some are simply plastic bubbles. The thicker the walls of the enclosure, the greater the pressure it can contain. Medical hyperbaric chambers have uses in elevated oxygen therapy for bmns, gangrene, air embolisms, and other diseases and conditions. 

Oxygen, Liquefied Safety goggles or faces shield, insulated gloves, long sleeves, trousers worn outside boots or over high-top shoes to shed spilled liquid. In all but the most severe cases (pneumonia) recovery is rapid after reduction of oxygen pressure. Supportive treatment should include immediate sedation, anticonvulsive therapy if needed and rest. Treat frostbite. Soak in lukewarm water. Treat frostbite burns. 

Gas gangrene is very difficult to treat. Because the bacteria establish an anaerobic region of cell death and cut off the local circulation, systemic antibiotics do not infiltrate the wound and kin the bacteria. Even our immune response is stymied. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the necrotic tissue accompanied by antibiotic therapy. In some cases a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is employed. The infected extremity is placed in an environment with a very high partial pressure of oxygen. The oxygen forced into the tissues is poisonous to the bacteria, and they die. 

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