Abstract
PurposeA retrospective study to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy on sternal infection and osteomyelitis following median sternotomy.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of patients who received sternotomy and cardiothoracic surgery which developed sternal infection and osteomyelitis between 2002 and 2009. Twelve patients who received debridement and antibiotic treatment were selected, and six of them received additional HBO2 therapy. Demographic, clinical characteristics and outcome were compared between patients with and without HBO2 therapy.ResultsHBO2 therapy did not cause any treatment-related complication in patients receiving this additional treatment. Comparisons of the data between two study groups revealed that the length of stay in ICU (8.7 ± 2.7 days vs. 48.8 ± 10.5 days, p < 0.05), duration of invasive (4 ± 1.5 days vs. 34.8 ± 8.3 days, p < 0.05) and non-invasive (4 ± 1.9 days vs. 22.3 ± 6.2 days, p < 0.05) positive pressure ventilation were all significantly lower in patients with additional HBO2 therapy, as compared to patients without HBO2 therapy. Hospital mortality was also significantly lower in patients who received HBO2 therapy (0 case vs. 3 cases, p < 0.05), as compared to patients without the HBO2 therapy.ConclusionsIn addition to primary treatment with debridement and antibiotic use, HBO2 therapy may be used as an adjunctive and safe treatment to improve clinical outcomes in patients with sternal infection and osteomyelitis after sternotomy and cardiothoracic surgery.
Highlights
Patients with sternal infection and osteomyelitis after sternotomy and cardiothoracic surgery are uncommon, but these serious complications could increase postoperative mortality, morbidity and medical cost [1,2]
Comparisons of the data between two study groups revealed that the length of stay in ICU (8.7 ± 2.7 days vs. 48.8 ± 10.5 days, p < 0.05), duration of invasive (4 ± 1.5 days vs. 34.8 ± 8.3 days, p < 0.05) and noninvasive (4 ± 1.9 days vs. 22.3 ± 6.2 days, p < 0.05) positive pressure ventilation were all significantly lower in patients with additional HBO2 therapy, as compared to patients without HBO2 therapy
Ischemia and hypoxia are postulated as the mechanism resulting in development of sternal infection and osteomyelitis [3,4]; the current primary treatment only focuses on early debridement and antibiotic use [5]
Summary
Patients with sternal infection and osteomyelitis after sternotomy and cardiothoracic surgery are uncommon, but these serious complications could increase postoperative mortality, morbidity and medical cost [1,2]. Ischemia and hypoxia are postulated as the mechanism resulting in development of sternal infection and osteomyelitis [3,4]; the current primary treatment only focuses on early debridement and antibiotic use [5]. There are only few reports about the additional HBO2 therapy for patients who develop sternal osteomyelitis after sternotomy. Most of the results are effective and successful [10,11] The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of HBO2 therapy in patients with sternal infection and osteomyelitis after sternotomy and cardiothoracic surgery
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
