Some evidence that mild to moderately
affected patients with multiple sclerosis may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen
therapy.
Clinical Bottom Line:
1.
Unclear due to brevity of the abstract.
2.
Poor evidence of improvement in those with Kurtzke extended disability grades
6 or less whom were given hyperbaric oxygen.
Appraised by:
Mike Bennett, Dept. of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital,
Sydney; Saturday, 13 March 1999
Clinical Scenario:
A patient with multiple sclerosis presented for consideration of treatment with
hyperbaric oxygen
Three-part Question:
In patients with multiple sclerosis, does the administration of hyperbaric
oxygen, in addition to other measures, result in any prevention of deterioration
or improvement in function or symptoms?
Search Terms:
Hyperbaric oxygenation, multiple sclerosis
The Study:
Double-blinded
randomised controlled trial intention-to-treat unknown.
Patients
with multiple sclerosis, no other details. Total of 40 patients.
Control
group: Compressed air, probably at 2ATA, for 90 minutes daily, 5 days each week
for one month.
Experimental
group: 100% oxygen at 2ATA for 90 minutes on the same schedule as above
The Evidence:
Not
clearly stated. Patients with low Kurtzke Extended Disability grades (<7):
7 out of 9 patients in HBO group improved, 0/? In the placebo group improved.
Comments:
1.
Brief abstract only with no clear data. 40 randomised patients.
2.
Authors suggest a differential treatment effect on patients with low Kurtzke
grades (6 or less).
3.
No reported overall significant differences at 3 weeks in neurology assessment,
Kurtzke Extended Disability, evoked potentials or spinal fluid examination.
Expiry date: January 2005
References:
1.
Murthy KN, Maurice PB, Wilmeth JB. Double-blind randomised study of hyperbaric
oxygen (HBO) versus placebo in multiple sclerosis (MS). Neurology 1985; 35(Suppl
1):104.
