Cardiovascular Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide: Current Status

¹ Director, Cardio-pulmonary Section Sammons Research Laboratory, Baylor University Medical Center; Assistant Clinical Professor of Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Investigation of dilute solutions of hydrogen peroxide as an improved method of oxygenating tissues over hyperbaric oxygenation has been conducted. Hydrogen peroxide given intra-arterially in the regional system or directly to the exterior of an organ is decomposed into oxygen and water and produces oxygen tensions ranging from 3 to 8 atmospheres pressure regionally. This does not require lung transport, can be given continuously over long periods of time, can be administered by a single physician without expensive equipment and large teams and avoids decompression and compression hazards, as well as pulmonary and CNS toxicity of hyperbaric oxygenation. Hydrogen peroxide has been demonstrated to be an adjunctive source of oxygen for the anoxic or ischemic heart and can improve resuscitation in refractile arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Intra-arterial infusion has been noted to reverse the atheroderotic process, potentiate the effect of irradiation on malignant tumors, increase the localization of radioisotopes in malignant tumors, protect against Clostridium welchii infections, promote wound healing and serve as an excellent source of regional oxygenation without significant systemic toxicity. Further investigation in all areas is necessary to establish the quantitative value and limitations of H₂O₂.