What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed patient data to understand how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) affected bladder bleeding and hospital admissions in 43 patients with chronic radiation cystitis who received at least 30 HBOT sessions.
What They Found
Among the 43 patients, gross hematuria resolved in 60% by 20 treatments, 79% by 40 treatments, and 100% by 60 treatments. Hospital admissions for hematuria decreased significantly from 1.2 admissions per year before HBOT to 0.3 admissions per year after HBOT. Patients with more severe baseline radiation injury scores (RTOG ≥ 3) or more severe patient-reported hematuria were more likely to be readmitted for bleeding after HBOT.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing bladder bleeding due to chronic radiation cystitis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) shows promise in reducing symptoms and the need for hospital visits. Patients with severe initial symptoms might benefit from earlier or more personalized HBOT treatment plans to improve long-term outcomes and reduce future hospitalizations.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers radiation cystitis, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a single-center review of prospectively collected data with 43 patients, these findings may not apply to all patients or other treatment settings.