[The effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on the urea content of the saliva in acute and chronic soft-tissue inflammation in the maxillofacial area].

Urea levels were measured in the saliva of 30 patients with acute and chronic maxillofacial inflammation treated with multiple modalities including hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO). Urea concentrations were evaluated before, in the course of and after HBO session. A total of four 40-min sessions were made (1 session a day, 1.5 atm). Elevated concentrations of urea after HBO are thought adaptive, serving for elimination of ammonia overproduction in hyperoxia. Urea measurements in the saliva can be used for prediction of oxygen intoxication in the HBO-exposed patients.