Hyperbaric oxygen improves disease activity in hospitalized ulcerative colitis patients

This study evaluated 20 Ulcerative Colitis (UC) patients that were hospitalized for moderate to severe flares and treated with either a 3 or 5-day course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT, at 2.4 atmospheres, 90 minutes with two air breaks) in addition to intravenous steroids.

By Day 3, there were significant reductions in stool frequency, rectal bleeding, and overall inflammation. A more significant reduction in disease activity was observed with 5 days vs 3 days of HBOT. Thus researchers concluded that an optimal clinical response is achieved with 5 days of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. <view study>