Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and Fournier's gangrene: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Anish Patel, Deepak Batura
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) alongside standard care in adults with Fournier’s gangrene. It included 13 retrospective studies, with 322 patients receiving HBOT and 366 controls. HBOT was associated with a significantly lower mortality rate than control care. Hospital length of stay and number of surgical debridements did not differ significantly between groups. The findings support considering HBOT as an adjunct to prompt surgical debridement and antimicrobial therapy, not as a primary treatment; the abstract does not report the mortality effect size.
Key findings
- Across 13 retrospective studies, 322 patients received HBOT and 366 served as controls.
- HBOT was associated with significantly lower mortality than control care; the abstract provides no effect estimate.
- Hospital length of stay and number of surgical debridements did not differ significantly between groups.
Why it matters
Fournier’s gangrene is a rapidly progressive infection with substantial mortality. The reported mortality association makes adjunctive HBOT a potentially relevant consideration, while the absence of significant differences in length of stay or debridement count leaves its broader effects uncertain. The evidence also reinforces that HBOT should not replace prompt surgery and antimicrobial treatment.
What to keep in mind
The evidence comprised retrospective studies, so the mortality association cannot establish causation. The abstract does not provide an effect estimate or details on study quality.