Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Previous uncontrolled studies suggested hyperbaric treatment benefits children with autism.
• A controlled evaluation was needed to confirm these findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of hyperbaric treatment in children with autism through a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• 62 children (ages 2-7) with autism received 40 hourly sessions of either hyperbaric treatment (1.3 atm, 24% oxygen) or a control (1.03 atm, 21% oxygen).
• Outcomes were measured using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).

Main Results:

• The hyperbaric group showed significant improvements in physician-rated CGI scores for overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, and eye contact.
• Parental CGI scores also improved significantly in the treatment group for overall functioning, receptive language, and eye contact.
• Significant improvements were noted in the treatment group on the ABC (total score, irritability, stereotypy, hyperactivity, speech) and ATEC (sensory/cognitive awareness).

Conclusions:

• Hyperbaric treatment at 1.3 atm and 24% oxygen for 40 sessions led to significant improvements in children with autism.
• Improvements were observed in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness compared to the control group.
• The treatment was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with greater benefits seen in children over age 5 and those with lower initial autism severity.