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Purpose: To describe the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in conjunction with immunosuppression for acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)., Methods: Two known cases of SLE presented to us with blurred vision and paracentral scotomas due to AMN. Both cases reported worsening of their conditions despite the initiation of high-dose steroid therapy. HBOT was added on as a treatment modality to address vaso-occlusive ischemic injury., Results: Both patients underwent a total of twelve cycles of HBOT. Functional and anatomical improvements were noted immediately after the initiation of therapy and were maintained over more than one year of follow-up. No significant retinal thinning was noted on optical coherence tomography on disease resolution, as has been noted previously. Visual field scotoma showed a complete resolution., Conclusion: Our cases suggest that HBOT may have a role in aiding functional and anatomical recovery in AMN associated with SLE.

Use and efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) in liver disease has not been established. A prospective control study of HOT in liver diseases was undertaken. Sixty cases were selected for this study (30 with HOT and 30 with conventional therapy only). Almost equal number of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HbsAg) positive cases were included in both groups. All patients were male. Only cases with serum bilirubin over 10 mg/dl were included in this study. It was found that study cases recovered faster, gained appetite and had an earlier sense of well-being. There was faster disappearance of pruritus, earlier achievement of normal liver function, HbsAg negativity and overall shorter duration of hospital stay and convalescence. Short term adverse effects were unremarkable.

Indian Navy divers carried out no-decompression dives at altitudes of 7000 to 14,200 ft (2134-4328 m) in the Nilgiris and Himalayas from May to July 1988. Seventy-eight dives on air and 22 dives on oxygen were carried out at various altitudes. The final dives were at Lake Pangong Tso (4328 m) in Ladakh, Himalayas, to a maximum of 140 feet of sea water (fsw) [42.6 meters of sea water (msw)] equivalent ocean depth in minimum water temperature of 2 degrees C. Oxygen diving at 14,200 ft (4328 m) was not successful. Aspects considered were altitude adaptation, diminished air pressure diving, hypothermia, and remote area survival. Depths at altitude were converted to depths at sea level and were applied to the Royal Navy air tables. Altitude-related manifestations, hypoxia, hypothermia, suspected oxygen toxicity, and equipment failure were observed. It is concluded that stress is due to effects of altitude and cold on man and equipment, as well as changes in diving procedures when diving at high altitudes. Equivalent air depths when applied to Royal Navy tables could be considered a safe method for diving at altitudes.