Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not improve the effects of standardized treatment in a severe attack of ulcerative colitis: a prospective randomized study

Abstract

Background and aims. Complementary therapy options are needed in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis (UC). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to have positive effects in experimental models of colitis and perianal Crohn's disease. Methods. In the present prospective randomized open-label study, HBOT in addition to conventional medical treatment was compared with conventional treatment alone. The primary objective in this study was improved clinical outcome evaluated by Mayo score, laboratory tests and fecal weight. The secondary objectives were improvement in health-related quality of life, avoidance of colectomy and evaluation of HBOT safety. Results. The authors found no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups in any of the assessed variables. Conclusion. The study results do not support the use of HBOT as a treatment option in a severe attack of UC.

Key Words::

• complementary therapies
• hyperbaric oxygenation/therapy
• inflammatory bowel diseases
• ulcerative colitis

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Joakim Trogen for skilful handling of the patients during the HBOT sessions and Erling Heimtun for participation in study planning and early patient recruitment phase. They would also like to thank Eva Kvifors for gathering data; Stefan Lange, Invar Bosaeus, Sven Almer and Sven Wallerstedt for providing their valuable opinions on the final manuscript. The statistical analyses were performed by Anders Odén.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.