Hyperbaric oxygen use in neonates. A report of four patients.

We report the use of hyperbaric oxygen in four neonates with delayed wound healing. Three presented with cyanotic congenital heart disease and had wounds associated with surgical procedures; the fourth had a nonhealing wound as a result of a complication of an umbilical-artery catheter. All were treated in a hyperbaric chamber with 100% oxygen at 2 atmospheres absolute. All wounds healed after institution of hyperbaric therapy. There was no evidence of serious side effects in any patient. These observations suggest, but do not prove, the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for neonates with delayed wound healing.