Calciphylaxis, otherwise known as Calcific Uremic Arteriopathy, often results in problem wounds that don't respond to conventional treatment.
There are many published cases that suggest that wounds caused by Calciphylaxis respond in a similar way as other approved problem wounds when using the standard hyperbaric problem wound treatment protocol. Currently, problem wounds associated with Calciphylaxis are not approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) for reimbursement.
A multidisciplinary approach has the best chances of success. A 2014 calciphylaxis case at our facility experienced full closure of 3 wounds by using 30 treatments at 2.4 ATA for 90 minutes each.
It has been reported by Wolcott et al. that problem wounds have a biofilm component. This is the main reason for the regular debridement of wounds in standard wound care. Physical removal of the infected surface of problem wounds is one of the only effective ways to remove the biofilm infection. Biofilm is a multi-kingdom form that bacteria can take in the body, that are strongly antibiotic and immune resistant. It is believed that the chronicity of many infections can be attributed to this bacterial form. HBOT has been shown to be a effective potentiator of antibiotics in many biofilm infections, it remains to be seen if HBOT has a direct anti-biofilm effect. For more information visit our biofilm page.
Heat injuries that damage skin and deeper tissues, sometimes causing swelling, infection and circulation problems.
Poor arterial blood flow can cause hard-to-heal wounds or sudden loss of retinal circulation.
A rare condition in which small blood vessels calcify and clot, causing painful skin wounds and tissue damage.
Skin grafts or tissue flaps at risk of failure because of inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery.
Severe trauma can damage muscle and circulation, causing swelling, tissue injury and compartment syndrome.
A rapidly spreading bacterial infection that destroys muscle and soft tissue and requires emergency care.
Air or gas bubbles enter the bloodstream and can block circulation to vital organs.
A rare blood-vessel disorder causing painful leg ulcers, skin discoloration and characteristic scarring.
Rapidly spreading infections that destroy skin, fascia and other soft tissues and require emergency care.
Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, causing pain, slow healing and other circulation problems.
Skin and tissue injuries caused by prolonged pressure or shear, especially in people with limited mobility.
A chronic immune-mediated skin condition causing inflamed, scaly plaques that may flare and remit.
A rare inflammatory skin disorder causing rapidly developing, painful ulcers, often on the legs.
Reactivation of the chickenpox virus causing a painful blistering rash and sometimes persistent nerve pain.
Severe reactions that cause widespread blistering, skin loss and injury to mucous membranes.
Brain injury caused by interrupted blood flow or bleeding, potentially affecting movement, speech and thinking.
Chronic leg wounds caused by poor venous circulation, often with swelling and surrounding skin changes.
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