What Researchers Did
Researchers ran an observational clinical trial in 12 patients with both interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia, giving two cycles of 20 HBOT sessions each at 2 ATA for 90 minutes, measuring quality of life, bladder function, and cystoscopy results before and 6 months after.
What They Found
Most outcomes did not improve significantly. However, bladder capacity during hydrodistension improved significantly (409 mL to 489 mL, p < 0.05). Cystoscopy showed regression of Hunner ulcers and petechiae, suggesting tissue-level healing despite limited symptom relief.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The study had only 12 patients, no control group, and retrospective trial registration -- all of which severely limit the strength of conclusions.