Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment for sternal infection and osteomyelitis after sternotomy and cardiothoracic surgery

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Orthopaedics: An Adjunct Therapy with an Emerging Role

Introduction

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as an adjunct treatment modality in various orthopedic and rheumatological conditions. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) defined the minimum number of HBOT cycles, dose, and frequency for various diseases. UHMS laid the 14 absolute indications for HBOT. This article deals with the mechanism of actions of HBOT and evidence of various musculoskeletal disorders where HBOT was utilized to accelerate the healing process of the diseases.

Materials and methods

The review literature search was conducted by using PubMed, SCOPUS, and other database of medical journals for identifying, reviewing, and evaluating the published clinical trial data, research study, and review articles for the use of HBOT in musculoskeletal disorders.

Results

Various clinical researchers documented cellular and biochemical advantages of HBOT which possess allodynic effects, anti-inflammatory, and prooxygenatory effects in patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Studies on the usage of HBOT in avascular necrosis and wound healing provide a platform for exploring the plausible uses of HBOT in other musculoskeletal conditions. Literature evidence states the complications associated with HBOT therapy.

Conclusion

The existing HBOT protocols have to be optimized for various musculoskeletal disorders. Large scale blinded RCTs have to be performed for demonstrating the level of evidence in the usage of HBOT in various musculoskeletal clinical scenarios.

Large Sternoabdominal Wound Dehiscence after Cardiac Surgery: Challenging Multimodal Treatment

ABSTRACT

The authors report the case of a patient who presented with a nonhealing sternal wound 3 months after cardiac bypass surgery. The patient was treated with vacuum-assisted closure, surgical debridement, and IV antibiotics. Despite repeated flap closure procedures, a top closure device, and wound dressings, the patient developed an infection, and the wound size increased from 8 × 10 cm to 20 × 20 cm, advancing from the sternal to upper abdominal region. This wound was then treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and nonmedicated dressings until the patient was eligible to receive a split-thickness skin graft 1.5 years after initial presentation. The main takeaway from this case was that local and systemic factors affected the outcome of each surgical closure. The failure of each preceding treatment choice that led to further increases in size and area of the wound was the main challenge. Eliminating infection, preventing development of new infection, and managing the local and systemic factors before any definite surgery are key to the eventual wound closure.

The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Surgical Site Infections: A Narrative Review

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most prevalent postoperative complications, with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the past half century, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the administration of 100% oxygen intermittently under a certain pressure, has been used as either a primary or alternative therapy for the management or treatment of chronic wounds and infections. This narrative review aims to gather information and evidence supporting the role of HBOT in the treatment of SSIs. We followed the Scale for the Quality Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines and scrutinized the most relevant studies identified in Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science. Our review indicated that HBOT can result in rapid healing and epithelialization of various wounds and has potential beneficial effects in the treatment of SSIs or other similar infections following cardiac, neuromuscular scoliosis, coronary artery bypass, and urogenital surgeries. Moreover, it was a safe therapeutic procedure in most cases. The mechanisms related to the antimicrobial activity of HBOT include direct bactericidal effects through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the immunomodulatory effect of HBOT that increase the antimicrobial effects of the immune system, and the synergistic effects of HBOT with antibiotics. We emphasized the essential need for further studies, especially randomized clinical trials and longitudinal studies, to better standardize HBOT procedures as well as to determine its full benefits and possible side effects.

Improving antibiotic treatment of bacterial biofilm by hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Not just hot air

Bacteria and fungi show substantial increased recalcitrance when growing as infectious biofilms. Chronic infections caused by biofilm growing microorganisms is considered a major problem of modern medicine. New strategies are needed to improve antibiotic treatment of biofilms. We have improved antibiotic treatment of bacterial biofilms by reviving the dormant bacteria and thereby make them susceptible to antibiotics by means of reoxygenation. Here we review the rationale for associating lack of oxygen with low susceptibility in infectious biofilm, and how hyperbaric oxygen therapy may result in reoxygenation leading to enhanced bactericidal activity of antibiotics. We address issues of feasibility and potential adverse effects regarding patient safety and development of resistance. Finally, we propose means for supplying reoxygenation to antibiotic treatment of infectious biofilm with the potential to benefit large groups of patients.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Antimicrobial mechanisms and clinical application for infections

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment procedure that involves breathing 100% O₂ for a certain time and under a certain pressure. HBOT is commonly administrated as a primary or alternative therapy for different diseases such as infections. In this paper, we reviewed the general aspect of HBOT procedures, the mechanisms of antimicrobial effects and the application in the treatment of infections. Parts of the antimicrobial effects of HBOT are believed to result of reactive from the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is also said that HBOT enhances the antimicrobial effects of the immune system and has an additive or synergistic effect with certain antimicrobial agents. HBOT has been described as a useful procedure for different infections, particularly in deep and chronic infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, chronic soft tissue infections, and infective endocarditis. The anti-inflammation property of HBOT has demonstrated that it may play a significant role in decreasing tissue damage and infection expansion. Patients treated by HBOT need carful pre-examination and monitoring. If safety standards are strictly tracked, HBOT can be considered a suitable procedure with an apt rate of complication.

Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the Management of Chronic Osteomyelitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Hyperbaric oxygen has been used as an adjunctive measure in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. The aim of this systematic literature review was to analyze the outcome and the complications of hyperbaric oxygen for chronic osteomyelitis. Forty-five of 96 studies reporting the use of hyper-baric oxygen for 460 patients with chronic osteomyelitis met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed qualitatively. All patients previously received antibiotics and surgical debridement. Mixed bacterial flora was detected in most of the studies. Staphylococcus aureus was the isolated pathogen in 12 (60%) of the 20 cohort and in 4 (20%) of the 20 case studies. Adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen was effective in 16 (80%) of the 20 cohort and 19 (95%) of the 20 case studies. Overall, 308 (73.5%) of 419 patients with complete data had a successful outcome and no reported relapse. Available evidence supports a potentially beneficial role of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen, especially in refractory cases of chronic osteomyelitis. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(4):193-199.].

A review of eleven cases of tuberculosis presenting as sternal wound abscess after open heart surgery

BACKGROUND

Sternal wound infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an uncommon yet highly challenging disease that can be quite insidious with various presentations. We hereby provide a review of 10 cases in current literature and describe an additional case which illustrates the difficulties associated with diagnosis.

METHODS

We used PubMed and Google search engine to search the literature for all published papers reporting on cases of sternal M. tuberculosis infections post open-heart surgeries.

RESULTS

A total of 11 cases were presented, including a case of our own. The majority were males and were exposed to endemic areas. The average age was 59.6 ± 15.5 years. Coronary artery bypass surgery accounted for 73% of procedures and the average time to symptoms onset was 12.2 ± 16.6 months. Diabetes was the most reported non-cardiac comorbidity. Presenting symptoms varied and only 5 patients had other organs involved. Blood tests and radiographic studies were neither sensitive nor specific. M. tuberculosis culture on debrided tissues was the most sensitive test but often forgotten initially. Diagnostic delay was seen in almost all cases, often leading to unnecessary courses of antibiotics and aggressive surgical interventions. Finally, all patients responded well to anti-tuberculosis treatment, with reported treatment duration ranging from 9 to 12 months.

CONCLUSION

M. tuberculosis infection of the sternum should be suspected in late-onset sternal wound infections post open-heart surgery especially when the course is chronic and indolent.

Use of Multiple Adjunctive Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Modalities to Manage Diabetic Lower-Extremity Wounds

Objective: Various treatment options exist for wound healing; however, clinical assessment of the patient and the wound environment must be considered before determining an optimal wound treatment plan. Negative pressure wound therapy alone and/or with an instilled topical solution can be effective in adjunctive management of acute and chronic wounds. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been shown to contribute to the wound-healing process. A pilot evaluation using a multistep approach of adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and a dwell time, standard negative pressure wound therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy was explored to manage postsurgical, diabetic lower-extremity wounds with a significant bioburden. Methods: Three diabetic patients with lower-extremity ulcers were treated after surgical intervention. Multistep wound therapy consisted of (1) negative pressure wound therapy with instillation of normal saline with a 20-minute dwell time, followed by 2 hours of negative pressure at -150 mm Hg for 3 to 4 days; (2) 1 to 3 weeks of continuous negative pressure at -150 mm Hg; and (3) multiple treatments of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Results: After surgery, wound closure was achieved within 4 weeks postinitiation of multistep wound therapy. All patients regained limb function and recovered with no long-term sequelae. Conclusions: In these 3 cases, a multistep wound therapy approach after surgery resulted in successful outcomes; however, larger prospective studies are needed to demonstrate the potential efficacy of this approach in the postsurgical management of complex, diabetic lower-extremity wounds.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as additional treatment in deep sternal wound infections - a single center's experience

INTRODUCTION

Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is one of the most serious complications after cardiac surgery procedures, observed in 5% of patients. Current standard medical therapy for DSWI includes antibiotics, surgical debridement, resuturing or negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Unfortunately, in some cases these methods are insufficient, and additional therapeutic options are needed.

AIM

To assess the effects and usefulness of additional hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) in patients with DSWI after cardiac surgery procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 10 patients after cardiac surgery who developed DSWI in the period 2010-2012 was performed. After 3 months of ineffective conventional therapy including targeted antibiotic, surgical sternal debridement and NPWT, patients were qualified for additional HBO2 therapy. A total of 20 sessions of HBO2 therapy were performed, each 92 minutes long.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of HBO2 treatment, 7 patients presented complete wound healing with fibrous scar formation. One patient was qualified for the another cycle of HBO2 therapy with 20 additional sessions, and complete wound healing was observed. In 2 cases, after 5 and 19 sessions, HBO2 was interrupted because of improper qualifications.

CONCLUSIONS

The HBO2 as an additional therapy in DSWI was successful in 80% of cases, and no complications were observed. However, due to the small number of published studies with a small number of patients, randomized, clinical trials are needed to assess the clinical results of HBO2 in DSWI after cardiac surgery procedures.

Sternal mycobacterial infections

Sternal mycobacterial infections are rare. Due to the rarity, its clinical characteristics, diagnoses, and regular management strategies are still scanty. A total of 76 articles on this topic were obtained by a comprehensive literature collection. The clinical features, diagnosis, management strategies and prognosis were carefully analyzed. There were totally 159 patients including 152 (95%) cases of tuberculosis (TB) and seven (5%) cases of non-TB sternal infections. Sternal mycobacterial infections can be categorized into three types: Primary, secondary, and postoperative, according to the pathogenesis; and categorized into isolated, peristernal, and multifocal, according to the extent of the lesions. Microbiological investigation is more sensitive than medical imaging and Mantoux tuberculin skin test in the diagnosis of sternal infections. Most patients show good responses to the standard four-drug regimen and a surgical intervention was necessary in 28.3% patients. The prognoses of the patients are good with a very low mortality. A delayed diagnosis of sternal mycobacterial infections may bring about recurrent sternal infections and sustained incurability. An early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic regimens may significantly improve the patients' outcomes.

Sternal wound tuberculosis following cardiac operations: a review

Objective

The diagnosis and treatment of sternal wound infections with mycobacteria are challenging. Such an infection is often associated with a delayed diagnosis and improper treatment that may lead to a worsened clinical outcome. The present study is designed to highlight its clinical features so as to facilitate a prompt diagnosis and timely treatment.

Methods

MEDLINE, Highwire Press, and Google search engine were searched for publications in the English language, with no time limit, reporting on sternal wound infection caused by tuberculosis after cardiac surgery.

Results

A total of 12 articles reporting on 14 patients were included in this study. Coronary artery bypass grafting was the underlying surgical procedure in more than half of the cases. Purulent discharge and cold abscess were the two main presenting symptoms. Diagnosis of sternal wound infection was evidenced in all 14 patients by different investigations, with culture of samples being the most sensitive method of identifying the pathogen. Good response to first-line anti-tuberculous agents was noted. Almost all patients required surgical debridement/resection and, sometimes, sternal reconstruction. A delayed diagnosis of sternal wound infection may lead to repeated recurrences. A comparison between patients with sternal wound infection due to tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections showed that the former infections took an even longer period of time. Comparisons also revealed patients with sternal tuberculosis infection had a significantly higher mortality than patients with sternal non-tuberculous infection (29.2% vs. 0%, P=0.051).

Conclusion

Sternal infection caused by tuberculosis after cardiac surgery has a longer latency, better response to first-line drugs, and better outcomes in comparison with non-tuberculous sternal infection. Early diagnosis and early anti-tuberculous treatment can surely improve the patients' prognosis.

Is hyperbaric oxygen or ozone effective in experimental endocarditis?

BACKGROUND

Infective endocarditis, a disease with high mortality and morbidity, is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus; mortality and morbidity further increase in the presence of methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus. Linezolid is the first of the oxazolidinones, a new antibiotic group that has been approved for the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive cocci. Linezolid reduces the quantity of microorganisms in vegetation to some extent; in addition, the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and ozone (O3) therapies is likely to improve targeted antibacterial effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-six adult male Wistar rats weighing 300-350 g were used. The subjects were divided into groups as follows: Group 1 (n = 8): control group that was not inoculated with microorganisms and was untreated; Group 2 (n = 8): control group that was inoculated with microorganisms but was untreated; Group 3 (n = 8): linezolid treatment group; Group 4 (n = 8): O3 therapy group; Group 5 (n = 8): HBO therapy group; Group 6 (n = 8): linezolid + O3 therapy group; Group 7 (n = 8): linezolid + HBO therapy group.

RESULTS

In terms of reducing the number of colonies in the aortic valve, linezolid + HBO therapy was found to be the most effective treatment. Then, respectively linezolid + O3, linezolid, HBO, and O3 were found to be effective.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that linezolid significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the vegetation in the experimental endocarditis model, and HBO therapy increases the effectiveness of linezolid and makes this better than O3.

Another cause of chest pain: Staphylococcus aureus sternal osteomyelitis in an otherwise healthy adult

Chest pain requires a detailed differential diagnosis with good history-taking skills to differentiate between cardiogenic and noncardiogenic causes. Moreover, when other symptoms such as fever and elevated white blood cell count are involved, it may be necessary to consider causes that include infectious sources. A 53-year-old female with no significant past medical history returned to the hospital with recurrent complaints of chest pain that was constant, substernal, reproducible, and exacerbated with inspiration and expiration. The chest pain was thought to be noncardiogenic, as electrocardiography did not demonstrate changes, and cardiac enzymes were found to be negative for signs of ischemia. The patient’s blood cultures were analyzed from a previous admission and were shown to be positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was started empirically on vancomycin, which was later switched to ceftriaxone as the bacteria were more sensitive to this antibiotic. A transthoracic echocardiogram did not demonstrate any vegetation or signs of endocarditis. There was a small right pleural effusion discovered on X-ray. Therefore, computed tomography as well as magnetic resonance imaging of the chest were performed, and showed osteomyelitis of the chest. The patient was continued on intravenous ceftriaxone for a total of 6 weeks. Tests for HIV, hepatitis A, B, and C were all found to be negative. The patient had no history of childhood illness, recurrent infections, or previous trauma to the chest, and had had no recent respiratory infections, pneumonia, or any underlying lung condition. Hence, her condition was thought to be a case of primary sternal osteomyelitis without known cause.

Clinical evolution of mediastinitis in patients undergoing adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy after coronary artery bypass surgery

Objective:

To evaluate the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment in mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Methods:

This is a retrospective descriptive study, performed between October 2010 and February 2012. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was indicated in difficult clinical management cases despite antibiotic therapy.

Results:

We identified 18 patients with mediastinitis during the study period. Thirty three microorganisms were isolated, and polymicrobial infection was present in 11 cases. Enterobacteriaceae were the most prevalent pathogens and six were multi-resistant agents. There was only 1 hospital death, 7 months after the oxygen therapy caused by sepsis, unrelated to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment was well-tolerated.

Conclusion:

The initial data showed favorable clinical outcomes.

Hyperbaric oxygen for osteomyelitis in a compromised host

Post-traumatic osteomyelitis is a rare but debilitating complication of closed fractures. Most infections can be resolved with aggressive debridement, intravenous antibiotics, and hardware removal. However, the eradication of infection can be challenging in a patient with multiple comorbidities. Refractory infection may require suppressive therapy or amputation to control the disease. Improvements in care have led to improved survival for this population, posing new challenges in their post-traumatic care. We report on the successful use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct in a compromised host with recurrent post-traumatic osteomyelitis despite aggressive debridement, removal of instrumentation, and several courses of intravenous antibiotic therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen may be considered as an adjunct to standard treatment protocols for refractory osteomyelitis in compromised hosts.