[Regelsberger's intravenous oxygen therapy--an interpretation of results in practice from a biochemical and physiological point of view].

Results of intravenous (i.v.) application of medical oxygen described by users are interpreted by means of biochemical and physiological knowledge. It is shown that i.v. oxygen therapy produces changes in metabolism which can also occur independently of the course of illness. Apart from the general improvement in oxygen availability, i.v. oxygen therapy causes eosinophilia, which can be valued as an increase in undetermined cellular immunological resistance. Furthermore, rheological qualities of the blood as well as diuresis are improved, the release of oxygen into the tissue is increased, and the blood pH is normalized. Compared with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, i.v. oxygen therapy seems to have less side effects. Application is less complicated, less expensive but probably of higher efficacy. This statement does not apply to issues related to diving medicine. Copyright 2002 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg