Oxygen--a limiting factor for brain recovery.

Amir Hadanny,Shai Efrati

doi:10.1186/s13054-015-1034-2

Abstract

Effective brain metabolism is highly dependent on a narrow therapeutic window of oxygen. In major insults to the brain (e.g., intracerebral hemorrhage), a slight decrease in oxygen supply, as occurs in a hypobaric environment at high altitude, has devastating effects on the injured brain tissue. Conversely, increasing brain oxygenation, by the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, can improve brain metabolism and its dependent regenerative processes.

Highlights

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) carries significant mortality and morbidity
The prognosis of ICH is worsened and one of the possible explanations relates to the lower oxygen concentration
Because oxygen is continuously consumed by the brain, Brain tissue oxygenation (PbTO2) is a continuum with values ranging from 90 mm Hg, very close to capillaries, to much less than 34 mm Hg in more distal regions [2]

Summary

Introduction

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) carries significant mortality and morbidity. At high altitude, the prognosis of ICH is worsened and one of the possible explanations relates to the lower oxygen concentration. In a hypobaric setting, compared with a normobaric environment, brain tissue oxygenation (PbTO2), brain metabolism (lactate, lactate–pyruvate ratio, and glutamate), and neurological scores were significantly worsened. A significant improvement in all metabolic parameters was achieved when hyperbaric oxygen was applied, resulting in significant improvement in neurological functions.

Results

Conclusion