Effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on oxygen tension and vascular capacity in irradiated skin and mucosa

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on vascular function and tissue oxygenation in irradiated facial skin and gingival mucosa. Twenty-two patients, aged 51–90 years, were randomly allocated to a treatment or control group. All had a history of radiotherapy (50–70 Gy) to the orofacial region 2–20 years previously. Skin and mucosal perfusion were recorded with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Tissue oxygenation was recorded by transcutaneous oximetry (TcPO2). Measurements were taken before HBOT and 3 and 6 months after a mean of 28 HBOT sessions (partial pressure of oxygen of 240 kPa for 90 min). For control subjects, measurements were taken on two occasions 6 months apart. After HBOT, blood flow in mucosa and skin after heat provocation increased significantly (P < 0.05). TcPO2 increased significantly in the irradiated cheek (P < 0.05), but not at reference points outside the field of radiation. There were no differences between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. In the control group, no significant changes in LDF or TcPO2 were observed. It is concluded that oxygenation and vascular capacity in irradiated facial skin and gingival mucosa are increased by HBOT. The effects persist for at least 6 months.