Spanish HTA organization Institute of Health Carlos III has published an evaluation report on therapeutic efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive treatment based on the usage of pure oxygen in order to achieve the particular level of pressure. It is used for the treatment of tissue hypoxia via an increase in the transport of plasmatic oxygen in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This therapy is not widely spread in Spain since there are few centers with hyperbaric medicine, as well as the high economic burden of the procedure.

The Institute has developed a systematic literature review, based on 15 articles, including HTA reports, RCTs, other systematic reviews and clinical guidelines.

The key conclusions of the AETS systematic literature review are listed below:

• HBOT-therapy demonstrates a significant therapeutic effect but without sufficient sample size to support the results from that point of view;
• As a non-invasive treatment, HBOT-technology is a very promising method that represents a safe, well-tolerated and feasible management for CRPS;
• When combined with other rehabilitation therapies for vascular contraction-vasodilation (contrast baths), HBOT can be used to reduce the recovery time;
• However, it is crucial to conduct more extensive clinical trials to improve HBOT-protocols;
• Due to the accessibility issues, it is not necessary to increase the number of new facilities but to improve access to the existing ones;
• It is recommended to provide access to technology in the public settings and obtain agreements with insurance companies for the provision of HBOT in private settings.

See the full report in Spanish with English summary here.

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