Hadanny A, Zilberman-Itskovich S, Catalogna M, Elman-Shina K, Lang E, Finci S, Polak N, Shorer R, Parag Y, Efrati S. Long term outcomes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in post covid condition: longitudinal follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 15;14(1):3604.
The long-term outcomes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with post-COVID conditions have gained interest due to the potential for HBOT to alleviate symptoms associated with lingering effects of the virus. In a randomized controlled trial, patients receiving HBOT were compared to a control group receiving standard care.
Key Findings
- Symptom Improvement: Longitudinal follow-ups indicated that patients undergoing HBOT experienced significant reductions in fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and respiratory issues compared to the control group. These improvements were sustained over several months.
- Quality of Life: Participants reported enhanced quality of life scores, with improvements in daily functioning and overall well-being.
- Biomarker Changes: Changes in inflammatory markers and other biomarkers related to tissue recovery were registered, suggesting a physiological basis for symptom relief..
- Safety and Tolerability: HBOT was generally well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported. The safety profile supports its use in managing post-COVID conditions.
- Comparative Efficacy: The study highlighted that while standard therapies provide some relief, HBOT might offer additional benefits, particularly for patients with severe lingering symptoms.
Conclusion
The longitudinal follow-up of this randomized controlled trial suggests that HBOT may be a promising intervention for improving long-term outcomes in patients suffering from post-COVID conditions. Further research is needed to establish standardized protocols and to better understand the mechanisms of action.