The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Patients with ME/CFS

Dr Laura Kim presented results from a clinical trial on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a treatment for ME/CFS. In this approach, those affected inhale pure oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber. HBOT is traditionally used for decompression sickness or to treat infections. Over several sessions, hyperoxidation is aimed at to saturate the blood with oxygen, making oxygen available as a dissolved molecule in the vessels without binding to hemoglobin. The therapy can lead to the formation of new blood vessels (as a treatment approach for endothelial dysfunction), increased mitochondrial activity and efficiency, and inhibited inflammatory cytokines, thus reducing the chronic inflammatory response. An initial randomised controlled clinical trial from Israel showed an improvement in ME/CFS symptoms after 40 HBOT sessions; however, a study from Sweden with 10 sessions showed no positive effects. In a clinical trial conducted at Charité, 30 ME/CFS patients with moderate to severe symptoms received 40 sessions and showed no side effects or increased Post-exertional Malaise (PEM) as a result of the therapy. Subjects demonstrated a slight improvement in general functioning. Furthermore, those affected experienced less pain, improved hand strength, and reduced fatigue. Research is also investigating the effects of 20 vs. 40 sessions and which subgroups of patients respond best to the therapy.