Observation on the effect of HBO therapy on 16 cases of gas gangrene induced by trauma following earthquake

Objective To observe the treatment profile and effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on gas gangrene induced by trauma following earthquake. Methods With emergency isolation passages and especial sterilizing measures, 16 cases of gas gangrene were treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) at a pressure of 0. 25 Mpa, for 7 sessions in 3 days, and a total of 20 sessions. Beside, the patients were also given psychological consultation. Results Following treatment, 16 patients all recovered, without detection of Fusiformis and cross infection. Wounds healed completely with a cure rate of 100%. Conclusions HBO therapy with a reasonable, appropriate and effective treatment profile could maximally reduce the size of tissue necrosis, save limbs and decrease the rate of amputation, and as a result, rate of survival could be increased and disabling rate could be reduced substantially. Key words: Hyperbaric oxygen; Gas gangrene; Earthquake trauma; Fusiformis