Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not improve the effects of standardized treatment in a severe attack of ulcerative colitis: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Complementary therapy options are needed in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis (UC). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to have positive effects in experimental models of colitis and perianal Crohn's disease.

METHODS: In the present prospective randomized open-label study, HBOT in addition to conventional medical treatment was compared with conventional treatment alone. The primary objective in this study was improved clinical outcome evaluated by Mayo score, laboratory tests and fecal weight. The secondary objectives were improvement in health-related quality of life, avoidance of colectomy and evaluation of HBOT safety.

RESULTS: The authors found no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups in any of the assessed variables.

CONCLUSION: The study results do not support the use of HBOT as a treatment option in a severe attack of UC.