Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Hyperbaric Chamber Information ...

The study by Sawin et al 55 was distinctly different from the others since the subjects were
neonates. In the other two studies the mean age of participants was above 45 years.
Study quality
Most of the studies failed to provide any information about masking procedures, except
Sawin et al55 in which no masking was done. All studies reported complete follow-up of
subjects (Table 27).
Table 27 Methodological quality of included studies focusing on the use of HBOT in necrotising
fasciitis.
First Author and
Year of Publication
Patient criteria
Study Design Randomisation Masking Losses to Follow-up
Shupak 1995 54 Comparative study None Unclear No losses
Sawin 1994 55 Comparative study None None No losses
Barzilai 1985 56 Comparative study None Unclear No losses
Inclusion criteria were defined on the basis of a clinical diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis
based on signs and symptoms (Table 28). No attempts at standardisation were made.
Table 28 Patient criteria of included studies focusing on the use of HBOT in necrotising fasciitis.
First Author and
Year of Publication
Patient Criteria
Shupak 1995 54 Patients diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis.
Sawin 1994 55 Neonates diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis of the abdominal wall.
Barzilai 1985 56 Patients diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis.
Interventions examined
All comparison therapies consisted of surgical debridement, broad spectrum antibiotics,
and dressings (Table 29). Surgical debridement was described as “aggressive,” and
antibiotic regimens were modified following the results of microbial sensitivity.
In two of the studies, 55,56 HBOT was not described in adequate detail. No description
was given of the pressures to which subjects were exposed or the frequency, duration,
and total period of therapy.
36 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy