The Efficacy Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Theraphy For The Treatment Of Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Research Design and Methods: We conducted a study of 20 consecutive eligible patients with diabetic autonomic neuropathy. All patients had been stabilized in terms of their glycemic control for 3 months before the study. The mean age of patients was 61.7±8.2 years, the mean diabetes duration 13.8±7.9 years. For the identification of autonomic diabetic neuropathy, non-invasive testing of cardiocirculatory functions were performed. All patients underwent electromyelography to obtain sympathic cutaneous responses by stimulating two different extremities. Results: There was a significant difference in autonomic neuropathy tests after hyperbaric oxygen therapy (p>0.001). Before hyperbaric oxygen therapy, mean valsalva ratio was 1.1±0.1, mean heart rate variation with inspiration was 10.4±2.4 beats/min, mean heart rate response to stand up was 1.0±0.04, mean systolic blood pressure response to stand up was 33.4±2.9mmHg. After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, mean valsalva ratio was 1.2±0.1, mean heart rate variation with inspiration was 15.9±2.2 beats/min, mean heart rate response to stand up was 1.0±0.03, mean systolic blood pressure response to stand up was 14.1±6.6mmHg. There was a significant differences in symphatic cutaneous responses that were obtained by stimulation of different region during electromyelography procedure. Conclusion: After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the autonomic neuropathy tests and electromyelographic findings were significiantly improved. We supposed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy was an effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of diabetic autonomic neuropathy