The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on chronic diabetic ulcer healing

Author

Breann Kinsey, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

4-1-2019

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Department

Physician Assistant Education

First Advisor

Mark Christiansen

Abstract

Current wound management for chronic diabetic ulcers is unreliable and frequently fails. Due to this unsatisfactory outcome, many diabetic patients are at risk for further complications such as amputations or death. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has the potential to promote chronic diabetic ulcer healing as an adjunct treatment tool by reducing tissue hypoxia and ischemia. The purpose of this medical literature review is to examine the effect of HBOT, compared to standard wound care alone, on chronic diabetic lower extremity ulcer healing. Unfortunately, limitations of existing medical evidence hinder the use of HBOT as a conventional treatment modality for non-healing diabetic wounds. Further discussion involves diabetic lower extremity ulcer etiology, normal wound healing physiology, chronic wound physiology in diabetic patients, and present HBOT research.

Recommended Citation

Kinsey, Breann, "The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on chronic diabetic ulcer healing" (2019). Physician Assistant Capstones. 27.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pa-capstones/27