What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for children with cerebral palsy (CP).
What They Found
The review of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found high-level evidence that HBOT is ineffective in improving motor and cognitive functions in children with CP. Furthermore, moderate-level evidence indicated HBOT is associated with a higher rate of adverse events, with middle ear barotrauma affecting up to 50% of children.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with cerebral palsy and their families should be aware that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has not been shown to improve motor or cognitive functions. Given the potential for adverse events like ear barotrauma, alternative evidence-based therapies should be prioritized.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a specific Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this review is the inclusion of several low-quality observational studies alongside the higher-quality randomized controlled trials.