What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials involving 493 patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for acute ischaemic stroke.
What They Found
The meta-analysis found no significant differences between HBOT and control groups for most outcomes, including NIHSS score, inflammatory markers, and long-term adverse events within six months. However, HBOT significantly improved modified Rankin score (MD = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.03 to 0.17) and reduced adverse event incidence at the end of treatment (OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.19 to 0.94).
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The meta-analysis was limited by the relatively small number of included studies (8) and patients (493), which may impact the generalizability and robustness of the findings.