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Published on: May 22, 2019
Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-stroke depression: Association with inflammatory biomarker reduction
Shuang Gong1, Min Tang1, Jiayue He2
1Department of Neurology, Ningbo Rehabilitation Hospital, Ningbo, China.
Background:
Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects 29-52% of stroke survivors, with inflammation as a key pathophysiological mechanism. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may modulate inflammation, but clinical evidence is limited.
Methods:
In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, 61 PSD patients were allocated to HBOT (n = 29) or Sham-HBOT (n = 32) groups, respectively. The primary outcome was the change in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score from baseline to week 4. NIHSS and MBI scores and serum c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated at baseline as well as 2 and 4 weeks after HBOT intervention.
Results:
HAMD-17 scores decreased significantly in the HBOT group vs. sham-group at weeks 2 (p = 0.017) and 4 (p < 0.01). Serum CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly reduced in the HBOT group (all p < 0.01). Reductions in HAMD-17 scores correlated positively with declines in IL-6 (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) and TNF-α (r = 0.42, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
HBOT could reduce the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines and inhibit depressive symptoms in PSD patients. Large trials are needed to validate long-term efficacy.
Trial Registration:
ChiCTR2100053522(https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=140799).
