The evaluation of the efficiency and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for COVID-19 in a female patient with a congenital heart disease – case study

Introduction: The study analyzed the case of a 36-year-old female patient with a congenital heart defect (patent foramen ovale – PFO; trace left-to-right shunt) who was infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and subjected to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Her post--coronavirus disease (post-COVID) symptoms included dyspnoea, deteriorated exertional tolerance, and cognitive dysfunctions.The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of HBOT in this medical case.Materials and methods: The patient underwent the therapy according to the following schedule: 4 days of sessions, 2 days off, 3 days of sessions, 5 days off, and 5 days of sessions. The chamber pressure was 2.5 ATA and, due to the heart defect, the first 3 sessions were shortened to 45 min with a prolonged compression phase of 12 min.Results: Right after the first session, the patient was able to walk up the stairs to her 5th-floor apartment, pausing twice without any exertional dyspnoea. After the second session, she reported significantly fewer breathing issues while walking or talking. When the HBOT was completed, her electrocardiogram (ECG) displayed steady sinus rhythm, and she had heart rate (HR) 78 beats/min, symmetrical vesicular sound, respiratory rate (RR) 105/60, SpO2 97%, and lab test results within normal limits.Conclusions: It may be concluded that HBOT improved the clinical condition of the patient and reduced the intensity of prior symptoms, with no side effects of the therapy in the COVID-19 patient with a congenital heart defect – PFO.