What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a pilot study where seven patients with active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) received 10 daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions, with some subsequently receiving anti-VEGF treatment.
What They Found
At the end of follow-up (average 150 days), five out of seven patients (71%) showed anatomical improvement in CNV, one maintained, and one showed anatomical worsening. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was considered a safe and tolerable treatment option for active CNV, potentially delaying its progression.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This pilot study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be a safe and tolerable option for Canadian patients with active choroidal neovascularization, potentially helping to delay disease progression. It might be used alone or in combination with existing anti-VEGF treatments to preserve vision.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted elsewhere and did not involve Canadian researchers or patients.
Study Limitations
The small sample size of seven patients and the lack of a control group limit the generalizability and definitive conclusions of this pilot study.