Murthy
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 2015 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.
