title: [The use of combined hyperbaric oxygenation and erythropoietin in the treatment of cardiac insufficiency].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this research is to evaluate therapy efficiacy of hyperbaric oxgenation (HBO) with regenerative effects on human tissues and erythropoietin, as a nonspecific growth factor.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included a group of 9 patients with echocardiographically diagnosed cardiac insufficiency with ejection firaction (EF%) under 60%. HBO was used according to the protocol for patients with severe cardiac insufficiency (a total of 15 treatments). All patients also received subcutaneous erythropoietin, 2000 i.v., every other day. Control echocardiography was done 30-45 days after they finished their treatments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average ejection fraction before treatment was 46%. After treatment, the average EF% was 57%, so it increased by 11%. All patients felt subjectively better, with improved capacity to physical efforts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ejection fraction of 30-40% is an indication for hyperbaric oxygenation therapy. The decision about the treatment is made by the physician based on his experience, general condition of the patient, frequency and severity of hypoxic episodes. If EF% is 30% or below, HBO is not recommended, because antioxidative defense mechanisms are exhausted under hyypoxia and the balance of the organism should not be changed. An increase in average EF% by 11% demonstrates that combined use of HBO and Erythropoietin gives good results.
authors.affiliation: HBO Medical Center, Beograd. hbomc@eunet.yu
authors.forename: Miodrag
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zlvković
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tepić
authors.forename: Vladimir L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Jakovljević
authors.forename: Vujadin M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Mujović
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013318:Stroke Volume
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin