What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively reviewed 15 patients with refractory radio- or chemotherapy-induced haemorrhagic cystitis to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
Among 15 patients who received a median of 34 hyperbaric oxygen treatments, 80% experienced complete resolution of haemorrhagic cystitis after a median follow-up of 68 months. Two patients suffered a singular new minor haematuria (p < 0.00001).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing severe haemorrhagic cystitis resistant to conventional treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may offer a highly effective long-term solution. This treatment could significantly improve quality of life by resolving persistent bleeding.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The retrospective design and small sample size of 15 patients limit the generalizability and strength of evidence from this study.