BACKGROUND: Hepatic function is a complex process which involves multiple celular events. Liver function in cirrhotic patients may be benefited with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. AIM: To evaluate clinical and laboratorial data regarding liver function in cirrhotic patients selected for liver transplantation, submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. METHOD: A prospective interventional study was designed, wherein 10 patients were randomized amongst cirrhotic patients selected for liver transplantation. The ages ranged from 20 to 65 years, and all patients presented with a MELD score greater than 15. All patients were submitted to nine sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, on alternated days with the duration of 60 minutes per session, with oxygen atmosphere of 100% and a 2,8 ATM pressure. Dependent parameters included were biochemical and hematologic laboratory values, evaluated before and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions, besides clinical parameters, evaluated considering the Child-Turcotte-Pugh and the MELD scores. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (Statistcal Package for Social Sciences). RESULTS: Three patients (30%) reported decrease in the number and intensity of encephalopathy. There were no cases of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and gastrointestinal bleeding, and there were no increases on the severity of ascitis. Two patients reported improvement on pruritus, and four improvement on the general status for few weeks following hyperbaric oxygen sessions. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve liver function in cirrhosis, and may help to control complications related to liver failure on the preoperative evaluation for liver transplantation.
Liver transplantation; Oxygen inhalation therapy; Hepatic insufficiency
