Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: I reviewed the literature about the history and practice of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and key issues relevant to efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Although recognized for reimbursement by Medicare and major insurers, the evidence base for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot care remains weak. A systematic review for the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have value in treating diabetic wounds, but the studies reviewed all had methodological weaknesses, and the positive effect of treatment was not seen in the single reviewed randomized trial to include a sham treatment arm. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy consumes very substantial resources--and has the potential to consume far more--that could be better spent on other aspects of management or prevention of diabetic foot ulceration. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | A R Berendt |
Journal | Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
(Clin Infect Dis)
Vol. 43
Issue 2
Pg. 193-8
(Jul 15 2006)
ISSN: 1537-6591 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 16779746
(Publication Type: Lecture, Comment)
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Topics |
- Diabetic Foot
(physiopathology, therapy)
- Humans
- Hyperbaric Oxygenation
(economics)
- Wound Healing
(physiology)
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