Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute central retinal artery occlusion in Hong Kong: results of the first 3 years

Authors

  • Sunny, Chi Lik Au Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
  • Steffi, Shing Yee Chong
  • Po Lin Leow
  • Callie, Ka Li Ko

Keywords:

COVID-19, Hyperbaric Oxygenation, Retinal arterial microaneurysm, Retinal artery occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: To review the efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in Hong Kong patients.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with CRAO with symptom onset ≤6 hours who failed emergency bedside ocular treatment were referred to a course of HBOT. Changes in best corrected visual acuity (VA) after HBOT and adverse effects and complications of HBOT were recorded. Changes in best corrected VA between the pre-COVID-19 group and the COVID-19-pandemic group were compared.
Results: 34 men and 26 women with CRAO aged 27 to 89 years were included for analysis. The mean follow-up period was 169±226 days. The mean number of HBOT sessions received was 8.6±3.2. The mean best corrected VA improved from 2.02±0.36 to 1.53±0.61 logMAR after HBOT (p<0.00001). 65% of patients had improvement and 33.3% had no improvement. VA changes between the pre-COVID-19 group (n=22) and COVID-19-pandemic group (n=38) were comparable (-0.53±0.58 vs -0.46±0.57 logMAR, p=0.59), despite a delay in hospital attendance. 41.7% of patients failed to equalize the pressure during treatment requiring myringotomy or even grommet insertion. 20% of patients had barotrauma. Other adverse events included convulsion, confusion, sinus pain, and hypoglycemia.
Conclusion: In patients with CRAO, HBOT is effective in improving best corrected VA, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Published

2022-06-29

How to Cite

1.
Au SCL, Chong SSY, Leow PL, Ko CKL. Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute central retinal artery occlusion in Hong Kong: results of the first 3 years. Hong Kong J Ophthalmol [Internet]. 2022Jun.29 [cited 2024Nov.3];26(1). Available from: https://hkjo.hk/index.php/hkjo/article/view/323

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