Hyperbaric oxygen as a treatment for COVID-19 infection? EDITORIAL COMMENTARY Hyperbaric oxygen as a treatment for COVID-19 infection?

Abstract

Recently the internet has been abuzz with new ideas to treat COVID-19, including hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy, undoubtedly driven by the fact that until recently there have been few therapeutic options for this highly contagious and often lethal infection. A series of five patients from Wuhan, China, has been reported to the UHMS and their features summarized [1]. Some groups have subsequently promoted HBO2 for COVID-19 infections, largely based upon two possible rationales. The first is treatment of hypoxemia, which is the major indication for endotracheal intubation in this condition. The second proposed rationale for hyperbaric oxygen is its potential anti-inflammatory effect.