Use of in-chamber transcutaneous oxygen measurement to determine optimal treatment pressure in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy is used to promote healing in select problem wounds. Transcutaneous oxygen measurement (TCOM) can be used to predict the response of these wounds to HBO2, with in-chamber TCOM values shown to be the most predictive. We evaluated the use of in-chamber TCOM values to determine optimal treatment pressure.

Methods: A retrospective review was completed of patients undergoing HBO2 therapy for a lower-extremity wound and who had in-chamber TCOM. Data collected included TCOM values, treatment profile, and patient outcome.

Results: A total of 142 patients were identified. The overall results demonstrated healing in 59%, minor amputation (below ankle) in 11.3%, and major amputation (above ankle) in 16.2% of patients. 79.3% of patients at 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA) and 86.6% of patients at 2.4 ATA had transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) values ≥250 mmHg. Among those with TcPO2 ⟨250 mmHg at 2 ATA, 41% attained TcPO2 ⟩250 mmHg at 2.4 ATA. Among those treated at 2 ATA the healing rate was 70.6% if TcPO2 ⟩250 mmHg, and 11.8% if TcPO2 ⟨250 mmHg (P⟨0.001). Among those treated at 2.4 ATA the healing rate was 33.3% if TcPO2 ⟩250 mmHg and 14.3% if TcPO2 ⟨250 mmHg (P⟨0.001).

Discussion: Determining optimal therapeutic pressure for patients undergoing HBO2 is important to maximize benefit and minimize risk. This study indicates that in-chamber TCOM can be used to select an individualized optimal treatment pressure in patients undergoing HBO2 for lower-extremity wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers. This may result in better utilization of HBO2 and better outcomes.