Case Study: Patient Overcomes Severe COVID-19 Plus Osteomyelitis and Non-Healing Wound with HBOT

Jeff^*, a 67 old male, came to our office with a non-healing wound complicated by osteomyelitis of the sacrum. His wound developed as a complication of a several-month admission to the hospital for severe COVID-19 infection.

Jeff developed a wound on his back from being bed-bound,  that ended up involving the bone and then developed into osteomyelitis of the sacrum. The wound had been chronic for many months and caused immense pain, as well as the need for use of a walker when walking more than very short distances.

Jeff received 60 HBOT treatments and had phenomenal results to his overall health. Keep reading for the full case and outcome.

CASE STUDY: 

Patient Age: 67

Gender: Male 

Chief Complaint:

• Chronic, draining, non-healing wound
• Pain
• Reliant on VAC dressing
• Relying on walker for walking more than a short distance.

Presentation: The patient was suffering from a non-healing wound complicated by osteomyelitis of the sacrum. The wound developed as a complication of a long-term admission to the hospital for severe COVID-19 infection. The wound progressed to involving an infection of the sacral bone. MRI showed osteomyelitis of sacrum. Wound vac was needed. 

Health History:  History of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) that was treated with placement of a stent, insulin dependent diabetes that was under good glycemic control, HgA1c of 7.6. Patient was in good health prior to hospital admission for COVID-19 and had even participated in a yearly, long distance cycling race to raise money for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. 

Personalized Treatment Protocol: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a hard chamber at 2.4 ATA for 90, Monday through Friday, 60 sessions total.

Patient Outcome: Patient's wound steadily decreased in size and amount of drainage. VAC dressing was able to be discontinued. Pain significantly decreased. Patient's mobility improved with no more dependence on walker or care.  Patient's inflammatory markers significantly improved. Overall, the patient was very happy with their results and reported feeling significantly better post- HBOT treatment.

Notes from the clinical team at HMS: 

HBOT for Osteomyelitis

 Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can be found in both children and adults, though the latter typically suffers from more chronic symptoms. Symptoms may include chronic pain, prolonged healing of wounds and prolonged discomfort. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) increases oxygen levels in the blood, thereby killing the advance of organisms that prefer minimal oxygen. This is a on-label use case of HBOT, meaning it is typically covered by insurance.

HBOT for Wound Healing

HBOT addresses wound healing at a deep cellular level, so it can be used to treat a wide range of wounds, burns, and other injuries and health complications.  HBOT has been shown to support in the healing of the following types of wounds:

• Diabetic Foot Ulcers
• Radiation Tissue Damage
• Failed Grafts and Flaps
• Post-surgical Wounds
• Non-healing Wounds
• Soft Tissue Infections
• Burns
  

HBOT for Long COVID

It is estimated that approximately 10-20% of people who develop COVID-19 experience a variety of mid and long-term effects after they recover from their initial illness. This condition is known as long COVID, or post-COVID-19 condition. 

Long COVID can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating

There is emerging evidence around the efficacy of HBOT in treating Long COVID. Here are 3 studies:

1.  A study in Israel found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy was associated with improved symptoms and quality of life in a group of long COVID patients, with significant improvements in fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath

2. A larger study of 79 patients showed that participants who received forty hyperbaric oxygen treatment sessions had displayed beneficial changes in their cognition, fatigue levels, sleep, and pain patterns.

3. The most recent study found that after receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), participants exhibited reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, and inflammation biomarkers.

Disclaimer

The names and other identifying information in this medical case study have been changed to protect the privacy of the patient. This was done in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects the privacy of patients' health information.

The information in this case study is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please consult with a healthcare provider.