Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Burn Injuries: A Case Study and Review

Introduction: Burns are a global health issue, causing 180,000 deaths annually, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Non-fatal burns lead to significant morbidity, including disfigurement and functional impairment. Burn trauma triggers a systemic stress response with increased inflammation and metabolism. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which delivers pure oxygen in a pressurized setting, enhances oxygen availability to tissues, aiding wound healing, reducing inflammation, and potentially minimizing hypertrophic scarring by promoting a balance in collagen synthesis. This study aims to present the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating burn injuries through a case report and literature review. Case Report: This case report describes a 33yearold male with scald burns treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Burns are a common cause of morbidity, and HBOT has shown promise in reducing inflammation, enhancing wound healing, and preventing hypertrophic scarring. The patient experienced significant improvements after five HBOT sessions, with reduced edema, better granulation tissue formation, and normalized lab results. This report also includes a literature review of HBOT use in burn treatments, emphasizing the need for further research into its therapeutic potential. Discussion: Burn injuries induce a systemic inflammatory response that delays healing and increases complications. Neutrophil activation prolongs inflammation, contributing to tissue damage and scarring. We observed improved healing, reduced inflammation, and better tissue viability with HBOT. Since 1965, HBOT has shown benefits in enhancing oxygen delivery, reducing complications, and improving recovery. Further research is needed to explore its full therapeutic potential in burns. Conclusion: This case study demonstrates the benefits of HBOT in burn care, particularly in reducing inflammation and improving healing. While the results are promising, further studies using biomarkers are necessary to explore the full potential of HBOT as a standard treatment for burn injuries.