Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for long COVID: a prospective registry.

Area of Science:

• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Post-COVID Conditions
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Growing demand for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for long COVID symptoms.
• Lack of formal guidelines and reimbursement for HBOT in long COVID.
• Need for more data on patient characteristics and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gain insight into long COVID patients undergoing HBOT.
• To evaluate patient characteristics and (long-term) outcomes.
• To report 3-month results from a prospective registry.

Main Methods:

• Prospective registry of long COVID patients receiving HBOT.
• Collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at baseline, post-treatment, 3-month, and 1-year follow-up.
• Primary outcomes: SF-36 mental and physical component scores (MCS/PCS); Secondary outcomes: EQ-5D, symptom severity, work ability.

Main Results:

• 56-63% of patients showed clinically relevant improvement in MCS/PCS at 3 months.
• 13-19% of patients experienced clinically relevant deterioration in MCS/PCS.
• Cognitive domain symptoms showed the most significant improvement.

Conclusions:

• HBOT may positively impact long COVID symptoms, particularly cognitive complaints.
• Alertness for potential worsening of the condition is crucial.
• Further research is needed to establish formal guidelines and reimbursement.