Hyperbaric oxygen use in neonates. A report of four patients
R. L. Vazquez and R. C. Spahr
Department of Pediatrics, Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
We report the use of hyperbaric oxygen in four neonates with delayed wound
healing. Three presented with cyanotic congenital heart disease and had
wounds associated with surgical procedures; the fourth had a nonhealing
wound as a result of a complication of an umbilical-artery catheter. All
were treated in a hyperbaric chamber with 100% oxygen at 2 atmospheres
absolute. All wounds healed after institution of hyperbaric therapy. There
was no evidence of serious side effects in any patient. These observations
suggest, but do not prove, the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for
neonates with delayed wound healing.