What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2T) for multiple sclerosis (MS).
What They Found
The systematic review found no significant benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy for multiple sclerosis patients, with an odds ratio of 2.02 (95% CI 0.63-6.43) for improved EDSS and 1.3 (95% CI 0.8-2.11) for improved sphincter function. The number needed to treat for one patient to benefit with an improved disability status score was 42, though the 95% confidence interval extended to infinity, indicating uncertainty.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with multiple sclerosis should be aware that current evidence does not support the routine use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Patients should discuss alternative, evidence-based treatments with their healthcare providers, as HBO2T is not recommended for MS.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada, nor did it involve Canadian researchers or participants.
Study Limitations
A limitation of the reviewed trials is that they did not compare hyperbaric oxygen therapy against alternative current best practices for multiple sclerosis.