Safety Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for long COVID: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionThere is still a lack of therapeutic options for long COVID. Several studies have shown the benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on long COVID. However, the efficacy and safety...

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the efficacy of conventional supportive treatment for late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods This retrospective analysis included 16 patients with late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 2016 and 2022. Among them, 8 patients received HBOT in addition to conventional treatment, while the other 8 received only conventional treatment. The clinical efficacy and safety of HBOT were evaluated by comparing the Numeric Rating Scale pain scores and clinical grades of hematuria before and after treatment, reflecting the patients’ urinary pain and hematuria status. Results The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they received HBOT. The group that received HBOT (n = 8) had a shorter duration of illness compared to the non-HBOT group (n = 8) (p < 0.05). The time for the NRS to decrease to below 2 was also shorter in the HBOT group. Furthermore, the patients who received HBOT did not experience any significant adverse reactions. Conclusion The combination of conventional treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to improve symptoms such as urinary pain, frequency, urgency, and hematuria in patients with late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis after transplantation. This approach has been proven to be safe and effective.

(108) Evaluation the Efficacy and Safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sildenafil Citrate Non Responder Organic Erectile Dysfunction Patients: a Randomized Double Blinded Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract Introduction Although the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are the first-line oral agents for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment, there is growing number of PDE5i- non responder patients. Management of those patients is challenging and one of the new suggested regenerative therapies is the hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). HBOT is the application of oxygen under pressure to increase tissue oxygen levels. Few clinical reports were published about HBOT and ED. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HBOT in sildenafil citrate non- responder organic ED patients. Methods The current study included 30 sildenafil citrate non-responder ED patients. Patients were divided into two groups (randomly assigned and comparably cross-matched for age). Both patients and the investigators were blinded as regards the treatment until the end of the study. Group 1: Patients assigned to the HBOT group (20 patients) were treated with (30) sessions in 5 days/week (90 minutes of 100% oxygen at 2.2 ATA); Group 2: Patients assigned to the control group (10 patients) were exposed to (30) sessions of air oxygen tension at 1 ATA with room oxygen. Baseline laboratory investigations were done (random blood sugar, lipid profile, total &amp; free testosterone). All patients were evaluated with the sexual health inventory for men (SHIM), erection hardness score (EHS), the sexual health encounter profile (SEP), and penile color Doppler initially, at 1 &amp; 3 months after the end of treatment. Results The age mean ± SD in the HBOT group was 56.35±7.43 years and in the control group was 61.7±7.14 years. The current study showed that sildenafil citrate non-responders ED patients with 30 sessions of HBOT in 5 days/week, demonstrated a significant improvement of the total SHIM score, EHS, and SEP after 1 month of stoppage of treatment as compared to the control group. Also, penile color Doppler evaluation showed a significant improvement of 10 &amp;20 minutes peak systolic velocity (PSV) between patients receiving HBOT compared to the control after 1 month of stoppage of treatment. More interestingly, the improvement of the total SHIM score, EHS, and SEP continued after 3 months of stoppage of the HBOT treatment as compared to the baseline evaluation. In addition, 10 &amp;20 minutes PSV with penile color Doppler evaluation demonstrated maintained improvement after 3 months of stoppage of the HBOT treatment as compared to the baseline evaluation. In addition, the linear regression analysis was done for factors affecting SHIM score improvement (1 month/baseline) in the HBOT treatment group, revealing that hypertension was an independent predictor for SHIM score improvement. Hypertensive patients showed 4.6 times more SHIM score improvement as compared to non-hypertensive patients. As regards HBOT safety, there was no significant difference in adverse effects between the HBOT treatment group and the control group. Conclusions HBOT might be a potential therapeutic modality for sildenafil citrate non-responder ED patients especially in hypertensive patients with good safety profile. Further a multi-centric trial with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period is recommended. Disclosure No.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for poststroke insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionInsomnia stands as a frequent consequence of a cerebrovascular event, afflicting a substantial fraction of those who endure the aftermath of stroke. The ramifications of insomnia following a stroke can...

Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Pain in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Studies

Abstract Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an adjunctive treatment for chronic pain. The current study aimed to perform a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of HBOT for pain reduction in fibromyalgia (FM) patients compared to conventional therapy. A systematic search of medical subject headings and keywords associated with HBOT for FM patients was conducted using electronic databases: MEDLINE/ PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus. Google Scholar was also combed to detect likely non-indexed available studies. We also searched manually through reference lists of identified original articles or reviews for relevant articles. The http://www.clinicaltrial.gov was examined for all research protocols being conducted/ planned. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and Higgins and Thompson’s I2 method determined the risk of bias and heterogeneity. The primary outcome was the effect of HBOT on pain; secondary outcomes included adverse effects of HBOT, assessment of the quality of life, functional impairment, psychological symptoms, and sleep quality. The overall quality of evidence was assessed with the GRADE approach. Cochrane RevMan software (version 5.4) was used for data analysis. Results were synthesised through a general summary of the characteristics and findings of each study. We also analysed different HBOT protocols and their outcomes across the studies. Five RCTs enrolling 91 and 89 patients in FM and control groups were included in the present study. HBOT results in decreased tender points (-6.23 (95 % CI: -7.76, -4.71) P &lt; 0.0001), increased pain threshold (0.57 (95% CI: 0.3, 0.83) P &lt; 0.00001) and a decreased Visual Analog scale (VAS) score for pain (-5.31(95 % CI: -8.17, -2.45)). Quality of life, sleep, functional impairment, etc., also improved after HBOT. HBOT is effective in pain and other associated outcomes in FM patients. In FM patients, high-quality evidence in favour of HBOT to improve pain, fatigue, quality of life, sleep, psychological outcomes, etc., is required.

Safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with heart failure: A retrospective cohort study.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has several hemodynamic effects including increases in afterload (due to vasoconstriction) and decreases in cardiac output. This, along with rare reports of pulmonary edema during emergency treatment, has led providers to consider HBOT relatively contraindicated in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, there is limited evidence regarding the safety of elective HBOT in patients with heart failure (HF), and no existing reports of complications among patients with HF and preserved LVEF. We aimed to retrospectively review patients with preexisting diagnoses of HF who underwent elective HBOT, to analyze HBOT-related acute HF complications. Research Ethics Board approvals were received to retrospectively review patient charts. Patients with a history of HF with either preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), mid-range ejection fraction (HFmEF), or reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who underwent elective HBOT at two Hyperbaric Centers (Toronto General Hospital, Rouge Valley Hyperbaric Medical Centre) between June 2018 and December 2020 were reviewed. Twenty-three patients with a history of HF underwent HBOT, completing an average of 39 (range 6-62) consecutive sessions at 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) (n = 11) or at 2.4 ATA (n = 12); only two patients received fewer than 10 sessions. Thirteen patients had HFpEF (mean LVEF 55 ± 7%), and seven patients had HFrEF (mean LVEF 35 ± 8%) as well as concomitantly decreased right ventricle function (n = 5), moderate/severe tricuspid regurgitation (n = 3), or pulmonary hypertension (n = 5). The remaining three patients had HFmEF (mean LVEF 44 ± 4%). All but one patient was receiving fluid balance therapy either with loop diuretics or dialysis. Twenty-one patients completed HBOT without complications. We observed symptoms consistent with HBOT-related HF exacerbation in two patients. One patient with HFrEF (LVEF 24%) developed dyspnea attributed to pulmonary edema after the fourth treatment, and later admitted to voluntarily holding his diuretics before the session. He was managed with increased oral diuretics as an outpatient, and ultimately completed a course of 33 HBOT sessions uneventfully. Another patient with HFpEF (LVEF 64%) developed dyspnea and desaturation after six sessions, requiring hospital admission. Acute coronary ischemia and pulmonary embolism were ruled out, and an elevated BNP and normal LVEF on echocardiogram confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary edema in the context of HFpEF. Symptoms subsided after diuretic treatment and the patient was discharged home in stable condition, but elected not to resume HBOT. Patients with HF, including HFpEF, may develop HF symptoms during HBOT and warrant ongoing surveillance. However, these patients can receive HBOT safely after optimization of HF therapy and fluid restriction.

Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute ischaemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) based on existing evidence.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search through April 15, 2023, of seven major databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adjunctive hyperbaric HBOT with non-HBOT (no HBOT or sham HBOT) treatments for AIS. Data extraction and assessment were independently performed by two researchers. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the tool provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. Meta-analysis was conducted using Rev Man 5.3.ResultsA total of 8 studies involving 493 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between HBOT and the control group in terms of NIHSS score (MD = -1.41, 95%CI = -7.41 to 4.58), Barthel index (MD = 8.85, 95%CI = -5.84 to 23.54), TNF-α (MD = -5.78, 95%CI = -19.93 to 8.36), sICAM (MD = -308.47, 95%CI = -844.13 to 13227.19), sVCAM (MD = -122.84, 95%CI = -728.26 to 482.58), sE-selectin (MD = 0.11, 95%CI = -21.86 to 22.08), CRP (MD = -5.76, 95%CI = -15.02 to 3.51), adverse event incidence within ≤ 6 months of follow-up (OR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.25 to 3.79). However, HBOT showed significant improvement in modified Rankin score (MD = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.03 to 0.17), and adverse event incidence at the end of treatment (OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.19 to 0.94) compared to the control group.ConclusionWhile our findings do not support the routine use of HBOT for improving clinical outcomes in AIS, further research is needed to explore its potential efficacy within specific therapeutic windows and for different cerebral occlusion scenarios. Therefore, the possibility of HBOT offering clinical benefits for AIS cannot be entirely ruled out.

Efficacy and Safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing tissue oxygen levels and regulating inflammatory pathways. Mounting evidence suggests that HBOT may be effective for inflammatory bowel disease. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the efficacy and safety of HBOT in fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD). A systematic review was conducted using the EMBASE, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library databases according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses" criteria. Study bias was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. Sixteen studies with 164 patients were included in the analysis. For all fistula subtypes, the pooled overall clinical response was 87% (95% CI: 0.70-0.95, I2 = 0) and the pooled clinical remission was 59% (95% CI: 0.35-0.80, I2 = 0). The overall clinical response was 89%, 84%, and 29% for perianal, enterocutaneous, and rectovaginal fistulas, respectively. On meta-regression, hours in the chamber and the number of HBOT sessions were not found to correlate with clinical response. The pooled number of adverse events was low at 51.7 per 10,000 HBOT sessions for all fistula types (95% CI: 16.8-159.3, I2 = 0). The risk of bias was observed across all studies. HBOT is a safe and potentially effective treatment option for fistulizing CD. Randomized control trials are needed to substantiate the benefit of HBOT in fistulizing CD.

Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a major health concern for diabetic patients, often leading to debilitating complications. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been posited as an adjunctive therapeutic strategy to augment the healing rates of these ulcers. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of HBOT in the context of DFUs management. A rigorous search, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, was conducted across multiple electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of HBOT on DFUs were included. Outcome measures were complete ulcer healing, major and minor amputation rates and adverse reactions. The analysis employed both fixed and random-effects models, contingent on the heterogeneity levels detected. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. HBOT was found to significantly improve the complete healing rates of DFUs with a risk ratio (RR) of 3.59 (95% CI: 1.56-8.29, p < 0.001). However, HBOT's impact on both major and minor amputation rates did not yield statistically significant results. The sensitivity analysis underscored the robustness of the principal outcomes, and the publication bias assessment suggested the absence of any significant bias. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stands out as a potent therapeutic tool in promoting the complete healing of diabetic foot ulcers, offering a promising adjunct to standard care protocols, while ensuring patient safety.

Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy monitored by fluorescein angiography in patients with retinal artery occlusion

AimsTo assess the efficacy and safety of a standardised hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol (HBOT) monitored by fluorescein angiography (FA) in patients with retinal artery occlusion (RAO).MethodsIt is a prospective, non-comparative,...

The effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for managing radiation-induced proctitis - results of a 10-year retrospective cohort study.

Despite modern radiotherapy (RT) techniques, radiation-induced proctitis (RIP) remains a significant complication of RT for pelvic organ malignancies. Over the last decades, an enormous therapeutic armamentarium has been considered in RIP, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). However, the evidence regarding the impact of HBOT on RIP is conflicting. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of HBOT in the treatment of RIP. Ten-year (2013-2023) retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with RIP treated with HBOT at Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica (CMSH) (Armed Forces Hospital - Lisbon, Portugal). Patients were exposed to 100% oxygen at 2.5 ATA, in a multiplace first-class hyperbaric chamber, for 70-min periods, once daily, five times per week. Fisher's exact test was performed using SPSS (version 23.0); p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Of a total of 151 patients with RIP, 88 were included in the final analysis, of whom 38.6% evidenced other concurrent radiation-induced soft tissue lesions. The most reported primary pelvic tumor treated with RT was prostate cancer (77.3%), followed by cervical cancer (10.2%). Hematochezia was the most observed clinical manifestation (86.4%). After a median of 60 HBOT sessions (interquartile range [IQR]: 40-87.5), 62.5% and 31.8% of patients achieved a clinical complete and partial response, respectively, with a hematochezia resolution rate of 93.7% (complete or partial). While partial and complete responses require fewer than 70 sessions of HBOT in terms of overall RIP symptoms (p=0.069), isolated hematochezia tends to require at least 70 sessions (p=0.075). Individuals with at least two concurrent late radiation tissue injuries were associated with a complete response to HBOT (p=0.029). Only about 5.7% of patients did not respond to the treatment. Eighteen patients (20.5%) developed reversible ear barotrauma. The number of HBOT sessions was a predictor of HBOT side effects (odds ratio: 1.010; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.020; p=0.047). The HBOT proved to be an effective and safe treatment for RIP refractory to medical and/or endoscopic treatments. This real-world evidence study adds value to published data on the management of RIP with HBOT.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionFibromyalgia (FM) is an unexplained chronic condition characterised by generalised pain, sleep disturbances, autonomic disturbances, anxiety, fatigue and cognitive impairment. FM is a prevalent chronic disease worldwide that imposes a...

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY IN FISTULIZING CROHN’S DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing tissue oxygen levels and regulating inflammatory pathways. Despite significant expansion of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapeutics, there remains a significant gap in achieving fistula healing. Mounting evidence suggests that HBOT may be effective for IBD. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the efficacy and safety of HBOT in fistulizing Crohn’s disease (CD).

Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for fibromyalgia (FM).DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, VIP (China Science and Technology...

Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: The Primary Results of a Randomised Clinical Trial.

Mortality in COVID-19 is mainly associated with respiratory failure, cytokine storm, and macrophage activation. Oxygenation and anti-inflammatory effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) suggest that it is a promising adjunct treatment for COVID-19. Repeated sessions of HBO with standard COVID-19 therapy were used to reduce the inflammation and increase oxygenation. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of HBOT in avoiding the replacement ventilation and/or ECMO and its effect on the inflammatory process. Twenty-eight moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients were randomized into control or HBOT group. HBOT patients participated in 5 hyperbaric sessions (60 min). Before and after each session blood gas levels and vital parameters were monitored. Blood samples were collected for extended biochemical tests, blood morphology and immunological assays. There were 3 deaths in the control, no deaths in the HBOT group. No adverse events leading to discontinuation of HBOT were observed and patients receiving HBOT required lower oxygen delivery. We observed decrease in CRP, ferritin and LDH and increase in CD3 in HBOT group compared to control. This study confirmed the feasibility and safety of HBOT in patients with COVID-19 and indicated HBOT can lead to alleviation of inflammation and partial restoration of T cell responses.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infections after male-to-female gender affirmation surgery: A 10-year experience.

IntroductionSeveral urological conditions that share an impairment of tissue oxygenation can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy; limited evidence is available of its impact on patients undergoing male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery.AimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infections in patients undergoing male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery.MethodsThis research was conducted as an observational retrospective study. Patients undergoing male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery at the principal investigators’ institution from January 2009 to September 2019, with a discharge diagnosis of complicated superficial or deep wound infections, were included. All patients underwent standard management of wound infection. Subjects received/not‐received hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the surgeon's discretion and were assigned to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy versus non‐hyperbaric oxygen therapy group accordingly. Complete wound healing rate (primary outcome), duration of antibiotic therapy, perineal drain time, bladder catheter time, and hospital stay were recorded. All adverse events that occurred during the study period were described.ResultsA total of 156 patients underwent male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery in the study period. Thirty‐three patients were enrolled. Fifteen subjects belonged to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group, the other 18 to the non‐hyperbaric oxygen therapy group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups at baseline. Penile inversion vaginoplasty and intestinal vaginoplasty were performed in nine (60%) and six (40%) patients of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group. Only penile inversion vaginoplasty was performed in subjects of the non‐hyperbaric oxygen therapy group. Complete wound healing was obtained in 15 patients (100%) of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group and 17 patients (94.4%) of the non‐hyperbaric oxygen therapy group (p = 0.35). Duration of antibiotic therapy, perineal drain time, bladder catheter time, and hospital stay were significantly lower in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group (p < 0.05).ConclusionOur preliminary data suggest a role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infection in patients undergoing male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery. Randomized controlled trials properly powered are needed to confirm our findings.

Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute central retinal artery occlusion in Hong Kong: results of the first 3 years

Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute central retinal artery occlusion in Hong Kong: results of the first 3 years

The utilization of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy in hypospadias repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) use in hypospadias repair through systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. A systematic literature search was performed in May 2021. Comparative studies assessing the surgical outcome of hypospadias repair between control versus HBOTutilization were identified andevaluated according to Cochrane collaboration recommendations. The assessed outcome includes hypospadias repair failures and graft failure for staged repair using a buccal graft. Relative risk with corresponding95% confidence intervals (CI) wereextrapolated. A random-effect model was used to generate pooled effect estimates. Heterogeneity and inter-study variability were assessed using Chi-square and I-square. Subgroup analysis was performed according to primary repair versus redo-hypospadias with buccal graft. PROSPERO registration (CRD42021251423). Five comparative studies with 576 cases (301 HBOT versus 275 controls) were included. Overall pooled effect estimates showed that the HBOT group has significantly lesser hypospadias repair failure (RR 0.52, 95%CI 0.37, 0.72). Subgroup analysis on the use of HBOT for graft take showed lesser graft failure compared to the control group(RR 0.20, 95%CI 0.05, 0.75), while the use of HBOT for primary and redo single staged hypospadias repair showed lesser complicationrate (RR 0.56, 95%CI 0.40, 0.78). Based on ROBINS-I assessment, all included comparative studies are determined to be of serious risk of bias mainly due to presence ofconfounding. The currently available low-quality of evidence suggests that compared to control groups, HBOT as an adjunctive intervention to complicated hypospadias repair was able to reduce surgical outcome failure and graft failure rates.

P437 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease – a systematic review

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, debilitating disease with suboptimal success rates after conventional treatments. A potential new, additional approach is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HBOT in patients with IBD. Methods A systematic review of the published literature regarding HBOT as treatment for IBD was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Search terms included ‘Hyperbaric Oxygenation’, ‘Inflammatory Bowel Diseases’, ‘Crohn’ and ‘Colitis’. All human studies with ≥5 patients and animal studies evaluating HBOT for IBD were included. Primary outcome was clinical response rate to HBOT. Secondary outcomes were radiological and endoscopic response rate, laboratory findings, adverse events and quality of life (QoL). Results The literature search resulted in 948 publications of which 26 were included (Figure 1); 11 human studies (778 patients) and 15 animal studies (554-558 animals). Seventeen were randomised controlled trials, 8 prospective cohort studies and 1 was a retrospective cohort study. The overall clinical response rate after 5-86 HBOT sessions was 82.1% (88.1% for ulcerative colitis and 78.7% for Crohn’s disease (CD)). Perineal CD was described in 56 patients, with a clinical response rate of 75%. The endoscopic response rate ranged from 50-100% in 4 studies and the radiological response in 1 study was 100%. Only one study described quality of life (QoL) and showed no significant differences in QoL between the HBOT and control group. Adverse events were described in 6 studies and occurred in 9 out of 75 patients (0.12%). Animal studies reported less weight loss after HBOT and a significantly decreased Disease Activity Index compared to controls. Furthermore, histopathological features and laboratory values including inflammatory markers (such as TNF-α and IL-1) and oxidative stress markers (such as myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde) improved after HBOT. Conclusion HBOT is a promising IBD treatment with high clinical-, radiological- and endoscopic response rates and few adverse events. Animal studies support these findings. The challenge now is to identify the appropriate amount of HBOT sessions and timing in the IBD treatment process and to identify which IBD patients can benefit most from HBOT.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Various Phenotypes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

Accumulating evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be effective for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our systematic review aimed to quantify the effectiveness and safety of HBOT in various IBD phenotypes. We performed a proportional meta-analysis. Multiple databases were systematically searched from inception through November 2020 without language restriction. We included studies that reported effectiveness and/or safety of HBOT in IBD. Weighted summary estimates with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated for clinical outcomes for each IBD phenotype using random-effects models. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane evaluation handbook and National Institute of Health criteria. Nineteen studies with 809 patients total were eligible: 3 randomized controlled trials and 16 case series. Rates of clinical remission included 87% (95% CI, 10-100) for ulcerative colitis (n = 42), 88% (95% CI, 46-98) for luminal Crohn's disease (CD, n = 8), 60% (95% CI, 40-76) for perianal CD (n = 102), 31% (95% CI, 16-50) for pouch disorders (n = 60), 92% (95% CI, 38-100) for pyoderma gangrenosum (n = 5), and 65% (95% CI, 10-97) for perianal sinus/metastatic CD (n = 7). Of the 12 studies that reported on safety, 15% of patients (n = 30) had minor adverse events. Study quality was low in the majority of studies due to an absence of comparator arms, inadequate description of concomitant interventions, and/or lack of objective outcomes. Limited high-quality evidence suggests that HBOT is safe and associated with substantial rates of clinical remission for multiple IBD phenotypes. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the benefit of HBOT in IBD.