Cochrane: Severe soft tissue infection (necrotizing fasciitis) is life threatening, is associated with prolonged hospital stay and carries high risk of long-term loss of function. Routine treatment consists of immediate surgical removal of infected tissue and administration of antibiotics.
Use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT (A technique for exposing a patient in a special chamber to intermittent,
short term 100% oxygen inhalation at a pressure greater than one
atmosphere), in addition to surgery and antibiotics has been suggested as a way to minimize tissue
loss, decrease the number of limb amputations and reduce death. The aim
of HBOT is to increase the supply of oxygen to the site. This approach
may be toxic to bacteria, may improve the effectiveness of antibiotics and can improve healing.
We searched the databases to September 2014. This Cochrane review
found no high-quality trials to support or refute the use of HBOT in
the treatment of individuals with necrotizing fasciitis. It should be
noted that HBOT may very rarely result in serious adverse effects. Further studies are required to address the effectiveness of HBOT because currently it is provided as routine practice in some centres.
- See more at:
http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD007937/ANAESTH_using-oxygen-at-high-pressure-in-a-compression-chamber-for-the-treatment-of-individuals-with-severe-soft-tissue-infection-necrotizing-fasciitis#sthash.Fa9JCJ7i.dpuf