The Role of Duration of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Lung Injury: An Experimental Study Lung Injury and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We aim to histopathologically analyze the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in the lung tissue.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 21 rabbits were divided into three groups, with each containing seven rabbits. Group 1 was thecontrol group. Group 2 underwent HBO of 3 atmosphere absolute (ATA) for 90 min/day for 7 days. In group 3, HBO at 3 ATA was ad-ministered 90 min/day for 28 days. Oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) was determined by pulse oximetry before and after administration of HBO.Rabbits were sacrificed, and the apex of the right lung was excised.RESULTS: SpO 2 was 98-100% in all rabbits before HBO administration. After the procedure, the mean SpO 2 was 92% and 83% in groups2 and 3, respectively. As expected, histopathologic examination in group 1 was normal. In group 2, congestion in the lung vessels, mono-nuclear cell infiltration in the bronchial mucosa, interstitial edema, and alveolar dilation were evident. Histopathologic examination ingroup 3 indicated diffuse alveolar edema, peribronchial mononuclear cell infiltration, thickening of the alveolar and vessel wall, andintraalveolar hemorrhage.CONCLUSION: There is a strict relationship between duration of HBO administration and severity of lung injury.