Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for fibromyalgia (FM).DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, VIP (China Science and Technology Journal Database), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and WanFang database were searched from from inception to 22 October 2022.Eligibility criteriaWe included clinical trials (randomised controlled and non-randomised controlled trials) of HBOT for FM.Data extraction and synthesisTwo researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the included studies, with disagreements resolved by a third researcher. The Cochrane Collaboration checklists and the Methodological Index for Non-randomised Studies were used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan V.5.4.1 software. Random effect models were used for meta-analysis.ResultsNine studies were included in this review, with a total of 288 patients. For pain assessment, we combined the results of the Visual Analogue Scale and Widespread Pain Index. The results showed that HBOT could relieve the pain of FM patients compared with the control intervention (standardised mean difference=−1.56, 95% CI (−2.18 to –0.93),p<0.001,I2=51%). Most included studies reported that HBOT ameliorated tender points, fatigue, multidimensional function, patient global and sleep disturbance in FM. Adverse events occurred in 44 of 185 patients (23.8%). Twelve patients (6.5%) withdrew because of adverse reactions. No serious adverse events or complications were observed.ConclusionsHBOT might have a positive effect in improving pain, tender points, fatigue, multidimensional function, patient global and sleep disturbance in FM, with reversible side effects. Low pressure (less than 2.0 atmospheric absolute) may be beneficial to reduce adverse events in FM. Further studies should be carried out to evaluate the optimal protocol of HBOT in FM.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021282920.

Clinical and biochemical short-term effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on SARS-Cov-2+ hospitalized patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure

“…On the other hand, even though the present work used hyperbaric oxygenation at lower pressures in comparison to other works that have demonstrated safety even with longer treatments [ [40] , [41] , [42] ], the present study describes a short treatment and 28 days of follow-up, which constitutes a possible limitation to the detection of toxicities that occur at remote times. This possibility cannot be completely ruled out.…”

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Long COVID: A Systematic Review

“…The current indications of HBOT can be broadly classified into three categories: the acceleration of wound healing and enhancement of angiogenesis, enhancement of antimicrobial effects, and some medical emergencies, such as arterial gas embolism and decompression sickness [4]. Emerging research has shown the potential benefits of HBOT in neurological disorders and other syndromes associated with chronic fatigue [5,6]. Several studies have observed improved cognitive functions attributed to HBOT [7][8][9].…”

Mechanisms hypothesized for pain-relieving effects of exercise in fibromyalgia: a scoping review

“…The proposed mechanisms for such benefits include improved oxygenation to the ischemic tissues, reduced activation of glial cells and other inflammatory mediators causing an anti-inflammatory effect, and improved metabolic function. 71 Lastly, improved flexibility specifically after stretching exercise was reported as a mechanism for pain relief, 41 , 49 but no studies investigating the relationship between improvements in flexibility and pain were cited. It has been proposed that stretching exercise reduces the sensitivity of tender points and fear of movement associated with pain.…”