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[Ineffectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in multiple sclerosis. A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|September 6, 1986
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy did not improve multiple sclerosis (MS) disability in a randomized trial. While a small benefit in bowel/bladder function was observed, HBO is generally ineffective for progressive MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease.
- Effective treatments for progressive MS remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis.
- To assess the long-term clinical impact of HBO on MS disability and functional status.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 17 patients with definite and progressive MS.
- Patients received either 100% oxygen at 1.5 bar (treatment) or normal air at 0.1-0.2 bar (placebo) for 90 minutes daily, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks.
- Clinical status was monitored for one year post-treatment using the Kurtzke disability status scale and functional systems scales.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in overall disability (Kurtzke disability status scale) between the HBO and placebo groups.
- A statistically non-significant trend towards a lesser proportion of patients experiencing bowel/bladder function deterioration in the HBO group at 12 months.
- No other significant benefits observed for HBO compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy demonstrated no overall clinical benefit for managing progressive forms of multiple sclerosis.
- The limited positive finding regarding bowel/bladder function does not support the widespread use of HBO for progressive MS.