title: Use of hyperbaric oxygen in rheumatic diseases: case report and critical analysis.
abstract: Hyperbaric oxygen has been used in patients with rheumatic disease for many years without reports of untoward or unusual complications for a variety of non-rheumatic indications. Recent evidence that hyperbaric oxygen inhibits the actions of certain cytokines, acts as an immune modulator and may help cognitive dysfunction has resulted in a re-examination of its potential role in rheumatic diseases. A case report of a lupus/scleroderma crossover patient is presented whose cognitive dysfunction improved after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The history of hyperbaric oxygen and its physiology are related, along with a focused review of its effects on the immune and central nervous systems. Areas which might warrant further consideration by rheumatologists are outlined, as well as areas of concern.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goldstein
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000628:therapy