Hyperbaric Oxygen for Treatment of Actinomycosis

摘要

This assessment focuses on hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for treatment of actinomycosis. HBO therapy is the exposure of the patient to intermittent, short-term, high-dose oxygen inhalation under elevated barometric conditions. The theoretical basis for using HBO therapy in the treatment of actinomycosis has been established by physiological studies demonstrating the effects of HBO on specific microorganisms and in the treatment of infected wounds. HBO therapy has been administered safely for many years by trained medical and technical personnel using properly functioning equipment. What is lacking is a body of evidence to support its effectiveness in clinical practice. Given this lack of published clinical evidence demonstrating its effectiveness, the medical community has expressed hesitancy in supporting HBO therapy as an adjunctive treatment modality for this indication.