What Researchers Did
Researchers assessed the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in 20 Crohn's disease patients with therapy-refractory perianal fistulas, who received 40 hyperbaric oxygen sessions.
What They Found
At Week 16, the median perianal disease activity index decreased from 7.5 to 4 (P < 0.001), and the modified van Assche index decreased from 9.2 to 7.3 (P = 0.004). Thirteen out of 20 patients (65%) achieved inactive perianal disease, with 12 patients (60%) showing clinical response and four (20%) achieving clinical remission.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with Crohn's disease experiencing perianal fistulas that have not responded to conventional treatments might find hyperbaric oxygen therapy to be a beneficial alternative. This treatment could potentially reduce disease activity and improve symptoms for those struggling with refractory fistulas.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and therefore has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size of 20 patients and the absence of a control group.