Both hyperbaric oxygen and pressure reduced stimulated lymphocyte production of interferon-gamma

1. Immune function suppression but no clinical implication is clear.
2. Pressure alone also reduced interferon level on stimulus

Citation:
1. Granowitz EV, Skulsky EJ, Benson RM, Wright J, Garb JL, Cohen ER, Smithline EC, Brown RB. Exposure to increased pressure or hyperbaric oxygen suppresses interferon-gamma secretion in whole blood cultures of healthy humans. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine 2002; 29(3):216-225.

Three-part Clinical Question: In human subjects, does the application of hyperbaric oxygen result in a change in immune function?
Search Terms: cytokine; interferon; pressure

The Study:
Double-blinded (to gas mix) and single-blinded (to pressure) randomised crossover trial (four arms) with intention-to-treat.
The Study Patients: Healthy adult male volunteers.
Control group (N = ; 5 analysed): A single exposure for 90 minutes on air and 100% oxygen at 1ATA, and on 10.5% oxygen at 2 ATA. Standard protocol to sham therapy for subjects.
Experimental group (N = ; 5 analysed): 90 minutes breathing 100% oxygen at 2 ATA

The Evidence:

 

Measure

Controls

HBO

Difference (% change)

95% CI

Mean

SD

Mean

SD

Stimulated release of interferon

from lymphocytes

100

20.6

49

26

51

16.8 to 85.2

 

Non-Event Outcomes

Time to outcome/s

Control group

White cell counts, haematocrit and platelet count

24 hours

no significant differences detected between groups

 

 

 

Comments:
1. Small study with low power
2. No clinical significance at this stage
3. Change persisted for at least 24 hours

Appraised by: Mike Bennett Prince of Wales Hospital ; Friday, 2 December 2005
Email: m.bennett@unsw.edu.au
Kill or Update By: December 2006