Freitas C, Salazar L, Duarte-Costa S, Fraga C, Monteiro S, Camacho Ó. Hyperbaric Medicine in Pediatrics - reality of a Portuguese reference center.
REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA : ORGAO OFICIAL DA SOCIEDADE DE PEDIATRIA DE SAO PAULO 2024;
43:e2023230. [PMID:
38985051 PMCID:
PMC11251448 DOI:
10.1590/1984-0462/2025/43/2023230]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To identify and characterize the population of Pediatric patients referred to our hyperbaric oxygen therapy center.
METHODS
Retrospective and observational study, including pediatric patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, from 2006 to 2021, at the hyperbaric medicine reference center in the north of Portugal. Variables of interest were extracted from electronic medical records.
RESULTS
Our study included 134 patients. The most frequent reasons for referral were carbon monoxide poisoning (n=59) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (n=41). In 75 cases (56%), treatment was initiated in an urgent context. Symptom presentation at Emergency Department varied among patients, the most frequent being headache and nausea/vomiting. Concerning carbon monoxide poisoning, the most common sources were water heater, fireplace/brazier, and boiler. Regarding adverse effects, it was identified one case of intoxication by oxygen and four cases of middle ear barotrauma.
CONCLUSIONS
The most frequent cause for referral was carbon monoxide poisoning. All patients evolved favorably, with few side effects being reported, emphasizing the safety of this therapy. While most pediatricians may not be aware of the potential benefits arising with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is of upmost importance to promote them, so that this technique is increasingly implemented.
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